The Happy Camp/Slater Fire added another 5,510 acres Tuesday and has now charred 137,111 acres while the Devil Fire to the east added another 1,030 acres Tuesday growing to 5.549 acres.
Operations on the Happy Camp/Slater Fire were able to capitalize on another day under a heavy smoke inversion to build and strengthen direct fireline to protect structures in and around the Illinois Valley, however, containment remains at just 10%. The Devil Fire remains unstaffed and at 0% containment.
Crews worked to prepare and hold the Knopki Road line to protect the town of Gasquet. 14 firefighting crews, 74 fire engines 11 water tenders, 3 Bulldozers and and 7 helicopters continued to prepare contingency lines to help control the fire’s spread south and west, after the fire got established west of Highway 199 near the state line.
In the Happy Camp Area the Happy Camp/Slater Fire moved mostly very slowly today, but did put up a column of smoke along its northeast edge. Structure protection in the Hwy 96 corridor upriver of Happy Camp continued, while a handful of firefighters built direct fireline along the eastern edge of the Devil Fire today.
Mop-up continued today in Happy Camp, where firelines are secure. Most evacuation orders there have been changed to evacuation advisories, while Pacific Power was able to restore power to the town today. Evacuation warnings continue to remain in effect for Gasquet in California, while the nearby communities of Hiouchi and Big Flat remain on Level 1 “Get Ready” alert. Level 2 “Get Set” orders are in effect south of Kerby and Cave Junction areas in Oregon.
There also have no changes on Level 3 “Go” orders that remain in effect in the O’Brien, and Takilma areas, Dick George Road including most of Holland Loop and Takilma Road areas, Brown Road, O’Brien and all areas south of Brown Road O’Brien.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for a few neighborhoods in Happy Camp where downed power lines and hazardous materials remain a concern while evacuation warnings are still in place for most of Happy Camp including Elk Creek Road, and for Seiad along Highway 96.
Highway 199 remains closed north of Gasquet from Panther Flat to the California/Oregon state line and from O’Brien south across the stateline into California. Some roads in Oregon are experiencing serious visibility impairments due to smoky conditions. Highway 96 re-opened Monday to one way controlled traffic. Expect delays and use caution when traveling.
