SISKIYOU COUNTY — A deadly and destructive complex fire raging in the Klamath National Forest has spread to cover more than 11,000 acres, and it’s only 2% contained as of Tuesday night, according to Cal Fire.
The Happy Camp Complex, consisting of several wildfires throughout the forest just south of the California-Oregon border, has destroyed nine structures and killed one person since it started on the morning of Aug. 16.
Tuesday’s efforts on the Gold and Scott fires within the Happy Camp Complex focused on tying in control lines, structure defense and fire suppression. pic.twitter.com/I5aeBcoy0p
— CAL FIRE SKU (@CALFIRESKU) August 23, 2023
The complex consisted of 13 fires and covered 11,616 acres as of Tuesday night, varying in size and strength. The largest fire, the Head Fire, sparked in the northwest section of Klamath National Forest and covers 5,617 acres.
As of Tuesday evening, 755 people have been evacuated and 1,609 structures remain threatened. The cause of the complex remained under investigation.
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Highway 96 remained closed from Seiad Creek Road to two miles east of Horse Creek. Scott River Road was closed at Kelsey Creek Road.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
