Tribe issues emergency declaration, Red flag in effect beginning 10 p.m. Monday

video
play-sharp-fill

Hoopa Valley, Calif. (KIEM)-The Red Salmon Complex Fire has grown to more than 39,000 acres as it continues to burn in the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe is now part of the joint delegation of authority with the three national forests.

The complex is a combined total of 39,149 acres and 19% contained.

The Salmon Fire however, remains in its original footprint – and remains at 860 acres and 79% containment.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe has issued an emergency declaration, according to Hoopa’s Fire Chief Gregory Moon.  

“So we are currently at record levels of energy release component, meaning the fuels are dry, but they’re not just dry, they are dryer than they’ve ever been,” he said.

According to Hoopa’s Fire Chief Gregory Moon the region is at record low humidity levels – and that’s a cause for concern among fire officials.

 “Those two things combined make up for large fire potential growth. In addition to that we’ve been deemed extreme drought in our area,” he said.

Moon says, these three factors – coupled with the weather pattern coming-into the area may pose a danger to the people of the Hoopa Indian Reservation and Tribal Land.

“Were currently working on evacuation plans, which means were developing zones and escape routes.”

Public Information Officer Gretchen Fitzgerald with The Red-Salmon Complex says, beginning Monday night and into Tuesday – fire officials are keeping a sharp watch.

“It’s a Red Flag warning starting tonight (Monday) at 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. Wednesday morning,” said Fitzgerald.

“The wind coming into the next day and half, 24 to 48 hour range it’s going to be an East wind, so as you push the fire to the West, directly impacted in that is the Hoopa Indian Reservation.”   

Michelle Carbonaro is also a public information officer, she says, those recreating need to be mindful.

“Cigarette butts are a huge of fires, people coming up to the area with trailers, just make sure your trailer chains are not dragging.”

Dragging chains can cause a spark – which can easily start a wildfire along-side roadways.

Moon says, his community is ready if an emergency arises.

“I am confident that the evacuation planning and shelter planning that’s taking place now is going to reduce confusion, it’s going to reduce panic,” he said.

Those who’d like more information on the status of the fire, evacuation plans and updates can call (530) 316-1042 from 8 a.m. to 8 p-m- daily. 

-Paid Advertisement-