August Complex Fire forces the closure of Highway 36

TRINITY COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — The August Complex Fire has now forced the closure of Highway 36 from State Route 3 to South Fork Mountain Road in Trinity County. Caltrans hasn’t given an estimated time of reopening, but says it’s dependent on operations and fire behavior.

The complex as a whole has burned more than 867,000 acres and is 40% contained. The West Zone has grown to 104,200 acres with 50% containment.

“In Ruth, we have fire coming down to our control lines. We’re going to aid that a little bit today trying to keep the fire from coming down. We have plumbing in place, which is our pumps and hose. We’ve got crews there to help nurse this down to control lines,” according to Operations Section Chief Karen Scholl.

Ten helicopters have been assigned to the North Zone for water drops.