KLAMATH NATIONAL United States FOREST Department of News Agriculture 1711 S. Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097 (530) 841-6131 Forest Service Release www.fs.usda.gov/klamath Contact: Kerry Greene Date: August 8, 2012 [email protected] For Immediate Release 5:00 P.M. Fire Information Line: (530) 841-4597

Incident Command Team Arriving to Manage Goff Fire and Fires in Red Buttes Wilderness

YREKA, CA- An incident management team arrived in Yreka today to assist with suppression of several fires burning near the Siskiyou Crest north of the town of Seiad Valley, California. Due to their proximity, similar terrain and access challenges, the Goff fire, located on the Klamath National Forest, and several smaller fires burning in and near the Red Buttes Wilderness of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will be combined for management of suppression efforts. The Goff is currently 15 to 20 acres in size, and the two largest of the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF fires (the Hello and the Lick fires) are approximately 70 and 40 acres, respectively.

Forty fire fighters worked for several days to contain the Goff fire until they were withdrawn late Tuesday night due to safety concerns. “The extremely steep terrain and rolling burning material made it impossible for crews to safely attack the Goff,” said Klamath Forest Supervisor Patty Grantham. “Firefighters made an incredible attempt to keep the fire small, but ultimately it’s just not worth the risk to have people in there right now.” Similar challenges are meeting fire crews working on the fires in and around the Red Buttes Wilderness.

Containment lines around the Bill Fire, located near Billberry Creek in the Scott Bar Ponds area of the Scott River Ranger District are holding. As a precaution, a strike team of local government fire engines stood watch through the night to protect structures if necessary.

The Dillon Fire, ignited on Friday August 3rd, 15 miles southwest of Happy Camp, CA near Dillon Creek, is now 100% contained. There will be no additional updates on the Dillon Fire.

The Klamath National Forest is now in fire restrictions. Forest visitors are reminded to use care while in the Forest and please check the Forest website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/klamath/ or with a Forest Service station for local conditions.

Please call (530) 841-4597 for fire information.

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