Red flag warnings and scattered thunderstorms prompted a temporary increase in staff and resources in the Modoc National Forests over this past weekend. Multiple agencies from all over the country were brought in to assist the U.S. Forest Service in preparation for the less than ideal weather conditions. Crews that have been brought in are sent to both the West zone, which includes Big Valley and Double Head Ranger Districts and the East zone, which includes Warner Mountain and Devils Garden Ranger Districts. From there the crews, engines and equipment are assigned to different areas within the Modoc National Forests, depending on conditions and needs.
The many crews were strategically placed throughout the forests to facilitate rapid response should any incidents occur. As expected, the thunderstorms from the weekend produced numerous lightning strikes in the northern part of the state, resulting in two fires in the Modoc National Forests. The Kellogg fire, located on the Devils Garden Ranger District, was reported at a tenth of an acre in total. Fire crews responded quickly, allowing them to gain control of the incident, keeping it small.
The Halls Fire, in the Halls Meadow area in the Big Valley Ranger District, was reported at 8:11 PM Sunday. As of 5 o’clock Monday evening the fire was reported at 12 acres with 90 percent containment, after crews spent the day working on constructing containment lines to halt any progression.
Fortunately, no structures were threatened by these fires, and none were reported to be involved or damaged. Personnel numbers can differ in situations like these because various engines, hand crews, and equipment have different personnel counts. However, numerous agencies were willing and able to respond within Modoc National Forests, likely preventing the two fires that did ignite from growing any larger.
When speaking with Suzanna Johnson, the U.S. Forest Service Modoc’s Public Affairs Specialist, she reminds the public in the midst of this year’s fire season to “Be vigilant, and be fire safe. The more you do to prevent the fire from starting, the less work is needed.”
