Fire officials predict Red Salmon Fire only 4 days away from reservation

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HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM)-The Red Salmon Complex Fire has grown to more than 40,000 acres as it continues to burn in the Klamath, Six Rivers, And Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

The complex is a combined total of 47,934 acres and 20% contained.

The Salmon Fire however, remains in its original footprint – and remains at 807 acres and 79% containment

The Hoopa Valley Tribe is bracing for a worst case scenario, according to Hoopa’s Fire Chief Gregory Moon.

“It looks we have four days before the fire actually gets onto the reservation,” he said.

“We are not in an evacuation,” said Operation Chief Allie Hostler.  “We are planning so we are prepared.”

The Hoopa Valley Tribe is now part of the joint delegation of authority with the three national forests – and announced an emergency declaration.

According to Hoopa’s Fire Chief Gregory Moon the fire is still several miles away from homes, and those living on the reservation are safe at this time.

Outside agencies are on standby to assist Hoopa OES.

Lindsay McCovey is a Disaster Volunteer for the American Red Cross.

“We’ve been working with the COVID-19 Team and Hoopa OES, and other community partners to be prepared if and when there is evacuation,” she said.

McCovey says, emergency officials have put plans in place – community members will be informed if evacuation plans are activated.

“If you see Red Cross vehicles, please do not be alarmed,” she said.  “All information will be updated, right here at the OES station.”

What is a cause for alarm, is the air quality, according Hoopa COVID-19 Management Team’s Safety Officer Abe Camez.

“As you can see in the valley the smoke is going to really bad today (Tuesday) , so if you do have health issues, breathing issues limit your time outside, cause today (Tuesday)  is going to be a bad day,” Camez said.

Fire Chief Hoopa Valley Fire Chief Gregory Moon says, there are resources available.

“So, what we’re doing is we’re looking at bring air purifiers, and things like that to help the community,” he said.

For now, Moon says, he and his team on are watch – their goal – the safety of the public and their crew.

“Our plan, is to catch this fire as it comes onto the reservation, and we are working very hard to do that,” he said.

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

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