A spot fire in a northeast section of the Red Salmon Complex prompted the evacuation of Forks of Salmon and nearby areas on Sunday, according to this morning’s update, which reports that the spot remains a threat.

“Additional lines continue to be built and scouted, while community and structure protection in and around Denny and Forks of Salmon remains in place,” the update states. “Areas on the fire’s east flank and away from communities remain unstaffed due to remoteness and resource limitations.”

Meanwhile, firefighters are working to prevent the Red Salmon Complex from spreading toward the Hoopa Reservation, Willow Creek and communities along State Route 299, according to this morning’s update with tactical firing operations.

Like the many parts of the region, air quality in the area remains very unhealthy to hazardous.

The fire is nearly 92,000 acres and 16 percent contained.

Read the full update below:

Current Situation: A spot fire Sunday in the northeast portion of the Red Salmon Complex required crews to reposition and prompted an evacuation order for Forks of Salmon. Ash and embers were rising from a spot fire on the north side of Knownothing Creek. Personnel could hear fire below but not see it through the blanket of smoke over the complex. The spot remains a threat and crews will adjust lines and conduct burnout operations to slow the fire’s progression and prevent it from spreading further north.

The steady progress of the last few days continued yesterday on the west and south flanks of the fire. Backing fire from burnout operations has added 600 to 1,000 feet of depth downslope of control lines. Wind conditions prevented burnout operations overnight, though mop up and patrol were accomplished. Tactical firing operations are planned in the southwest today, extending efforts to prevent fire spread toward the Hoopa Reservation, Willow Creek, and communities along Hwy 299.

Additional lines continue to be built and scouted, while community and structure protection in and around Denny and Forks of Salmon remains in place. Areas on the fire’s east flank and away from communities remain unstaffed due to remoteness and resource limitations.

Weather: Areas of smoke will blanket the fire today. Winds should remain terrain driven at lower elevations, with southerly gusts at times on ridges and in aligned drainages.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with other fires in the area which could keep the levels in the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous AQI range, depending on proximity to the fires.

Area Evacuations: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office lifted the Evacuation Warning for Denny.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Order for ALL of Forks of Salmon. From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-10 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.