image: This natural-color satellite image was collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite on Aug. 23, 2014. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red. view more
Credit: NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Caption: NASA/Goddard, Lynn Jenner with information from Inciweb
The Happy Camp Complex of fires began as a lightning strike on August 12, 2014. Currently the fire has consumed 22,670 acres and is 20% contained. There are close to 2,000 personnel working on this fire at present. It consists of many small fires and a number of large ones. Most of the small fires have been contained and only account for about 100 acres. An inversion layer settled over the fire area throughout the morning and early afternoon on August 24, keeping fire activity moderate. As the inversion lifted in the afternoon, fire activity continued to the south. Fire growth will continue to the south. Growth potential is high due to extreme and difficult terrain. Backing fire, or fire spreading on level ground in the absence of wind, will continue on the south side of the fire just north of Doolittle Creek. The northeast portion of the fire will continue to China Gulch.
The July Fire Complex consists of the Whites, Man, Leef, and Rays Fires. The Leef fire at 17 acres is 100% contained and in patrol status, the Rays fire is 100% contained at 21 acres. The Whites Fire continued to spread south of the North Fork of the Salmon River in Whites Gulch. The fire had a steady spread along Snoozer Ridge, in Sawmill Gulch and southwest of Tanners Peak. Fire behavior consisted of backing and flanking in heavy timber. The Man Fire has advanced southwest towards Elk Creek and will continue to back down in to the drainage. Over 35,000 have been consumed in this fire complex which began with a lightning strike on August 3. Almost 1500 personnel are working this fire complex and the complex is 49% contained.
This natural-color satellite image was collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite on August 23, 2014. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red. NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Caption: NASA/Goddard, Lynn Jenner with information from Inciweb