Courtesy Six Rivers National Forest

From the Six Rivers National Forest:

The Six Rivers National Forest received approximately 150 lightning strikes across the forest since Tuesday evening, resulting in 23 confirmed fires. Firefighters continue to assess current fires and patrol the area to identify other potential starts. All incidents remain under a full suppression strategy with rapid and aggressive initial attack operations. Air attack is being used to perform reconnaissance throughout the forest and additional resources have been ordered to support these incidents.

The Lower Trinity District has a total of 7 reported fires. The Pilot Fire, near Little Pilot Rock, is comprised of 6 separate incidents and is a total of 15 acres. Several air tankers and helicopters are currently working on these fires. Farther north, the Lone Pine Fire, near Horse Linto Creek and Trinity River, is now approximately 352 acres with fire personnel on site. The fire has burned onto the Hoopa Reservation and the forest is working in close coordination with the Tribe. The North Coast Interagency Type 3 Team has assumed command of the Lone Pine Fire as of 7 a.m. this morning, August 16.

On the Mad River District, 9 fires were reported; however, only 2 fires fall within the district boundaries. The Salt Fire and the Betts Fire are both in the Zenia area with fire personnel on the scene and responding to the incidents. The local fire department was able to fully contain one fire and is now in the stages of “mopping up.’

On the Orleans District in the Bluff Creek area north of Mosquito Lake, several fires have been grouped into the Blue Creek Fire. Smoke jumpers have arrived on the scene and are making progress on the 16-acre incident.

The northernmost District, Gasquet, has reported 11 active fires. The Holiday Fire, north of Patrick’s Creek near the Oregon border is currently the largest on the district at approximately 100 acres. The remaining 10 fires are currently under 10 acres each. The Kelly Fire is approximately 1 mile south of Patrick Creek on the south side of Hwy 199 and is visible from the road. Please exercise caution when driving in the area.

There is a red flag warning in effect for the Gasquet, Willow Creek, Orleans, and Mad River areas. Forecasted weather includes low relative humidity, warm temperatures, and wind gusts across the forest.

At this time there are no closures or evacuations in place. For evacuation information please contact your county sheriff’s office.

Information will be available on the forest website and Facebook page.

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