Modoc July Complex Update for August 8

FIRE SUMMARY

Almost an inch of rain fell on the Steele Fire yesterday which helped personnel make significant improvements on firelines, mop up and further control sections of interior heat.

The 120-acre Chalk Fire was reported at approximately 5 p.m. in the Northwestern section of the Modoc July Complex. The area of the fire is predominately grass. Crews continued to work the fire through the night; the fire is still not contained. Four additional fires were reported at approximately 8 p.m.last night and were quickly contained. The majority of resources were pulled from night shift early in order to rest, recover and resume work with a focus on initial attack today.

Despite yesterday’s rain and this morning’s high humidity, sunny conditions will quickly dry out fuels making them susceptible to ignition. The possibility for new fire starts remains very high. As fuels dry out and winds increase, sleepers — small, smoldering lightning strikes that went previously undetected — could begin to grow. Lightning is also expected to return this afternoon.

NORTH ZONE

The Steele Fire remains at 45,690 acres and is 91 percent contained. The Rim Rock and Lake fires remain in patrol status and are 100 percent contained.

SOUTH ZONE

The Cove Fire is 100 percent contained and 38,887 acres. No new fires were reported from the thunderstorms yesterday.

CLOSURES: Forest Closure Orders can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.

Date Started: July 24, 2017
Cause: Lightning
Size:  83,001
Containment: 91%
Structures Destroyed: 0
Firefighter injuries: 4
Total Personnel: 1,668
Fire Resources:    45 crews,   96 engines,   6 helicopters,   18 bulldozers,   38 water tenders

Download the Modoc July Complex Morning Update here
Download the latest Modoc July Complex Map here.