Modoc July Complex - July 28, 2017 at 9PM

Modoc July Complex - July 28, 2017 at 9PM

For fire information specifically about the fire near Juniper Butte and the associated closure of the Lyons Trail in Lava Beds National Monument, please visit https://www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/maps.htm.

For fire information specifically about the Warner Mountains, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5415/37034/ or call 530/ 710-8620.

Fires in the #JulyModocComplex were very active today as temperatures warmed and vegetation dried. The Cove Fire grew this afternoon to an estimated 1,100 acres. The fire is growing toward the northeast. It is currently not directly threatening any structures, but residents in Stone Cold Valley were issued a pre-evacuation by the Modoc County Sheriff today as a precautionary measure. The Cove Fire may also impact some roads, and staff is in place to initiate closures, should they become necessary. Firefighters on the Cove Fire were supported by aircraft, including the VLAT (Very Large Air Tankers), Super Scoopers, and multiple smaller fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters. 

The Steele Fire, south and east of Clear Lake, showed considerable growth, pushing toward the northeast for a total of about 2000 acres as of this evening. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. 

The Lake Fire, southeast of Clear Lake, is holding well. The Rimrock cluster of fires, just below the Oregon border, have grown into one fire, but did not show much overall activity today. The south and western edges of the fire are currently lined. Additionally, numerous other fires in the Complex have been called contained or out. Three new fires were discovered today in the Modoc NF, and crews kept two of them to only a few acres. One of these, near Crowder Flat, moved toward the Crowder Flat Guard Station, but forward progress was stopped before it impacted the Station. 

The fire near Juniper Butte in Lava Beds National Monument was relatively quiet today. The Lyon’s Trail remains closed. 

Two new fires were also detected on State land near Portuguese Flat. Previously undiscovered fires are likely to continue to become active into the next few days as the weather remains warm and dry. 

While no roads or trails in the Forest are currently closed, residents and visitors in the area should be aware of the potentially dangerous fire conditions, and increased fire vehicle traffic on roadways.