The latest measurable rain reaching close to an inch or more in some areas Wednesday, Friday and Saturday helped fire crews get a handle on hotspots of the Happy Camp/Slater Fire over the weekend, however the high pressure, strong winds and hot temperatures that started Sunday and are forecast to continue into the week and are expected to increase fire activity as fuels remain relatively dry.
The Happy Camp/Slater Fire added some 3,872 acres since Friday’s official update now scorching 154,102 total acres with 32% containment. The Devil Fire also grew another 626 acres since Friday’s update now blackening 8,410 acres remaining at 18% containment.
1,698 structures have been threatened since the fire was detected September 8th, some 440 structures have been destroyed and are considered total losses with 197 of those structures considered residential while 11 have been damaged by fire.
As of Sunday’s official update, there are 1,284 personnel battling the fire, 35 hand crews, 105 engines, 8 helicopters, 2 fixed wing aircraft, 15 bulldozers, and 25 water-tenders at an estimated cost of $23.6 million.
Fire crews have completed their work closer to Gasquet, and those crews and resources have moved to the southside of the fire on Highway 199. South of O’Brien, crews are mopping up and will be connecting more lines in the coming days. More firefighters and engines moved to the northernmost part of the fire, south of Holland, to continue mopping up and Firefighters continue widening control lines around the fire to protect communities, forests, and other resources.
Crews on the Devil fire have made good progress on the southeast side of the fire and are continuing to build line along the southwest side.
Most evacuation orders have been reduced to Level 1 or completely removed as of Sunday’s report, however the area on Hwy. 199 between Milepost 38.5 and the Oregon State line were lowered from Level 3 and remain at Level 2.
U.S. Highway 199 continues to remain open to two-way through traffic in both California and Oregon. Drivers are reminded to use caution and slow for fire crews maintenance crews and law-enforcement and to be prepared for possible delays as fire conditions are ever-changing.
