September 20, 2001

Fires started by lightning on Sept. 15, 2001

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The Swillup Fire, near Cottage Grove

Forest fires about 12 miles downriver from Happy Camp are only 20% contained. The fires are three of over sixty fires started in the Klamath National Forest by dry lightning strikes in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 15. There was only .27 of an inch of rain with this lightning storm.

The Swillup Fire is burning in the area of Cottage Grove and at this time has covered about 900 acres. The Crawford Fire is upriver closer to Independence Bridge and encompasses about 70 acres. The Red Hill Fire, deep in the Siskiyou Wilderness area, covers about 30 acres.

Smoke blankets Happy Camp today due to weather conditions keeping this layer of air close to the ground. The fires do not threaten Happy Camp at this time and there are no plans to evacuate residences in this area. No structures have been affected by these fires.

Over 900 firefighters are on the job, with 7 air tankers, 7 water tenders, 9 helicopters, 7 bulldozers, 16 engines and 32 hand crews. Burning is currently erratic with winds of up to 12 MPH blowing southwest, and away from Happy Camp. The Swillup Fire has been especially challenging due to rugged, steep terrain, inaccessibility, and heavy fuels, according to Forest Service reports.

September 16, 2001

September 12, 2001 - Our nation and all decent people throughout the world are in shock at the devastation in New York City and Washington DC. Though we are isolated from this violence here in Happy Camp, we are not immune from its impact. Our loved ones too could be among the dead and injured. Our prayers are needed.

The nation’s response will be registered through the many major media resources of our country.

To keep track of the president’s response, keep an eye on his website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ and on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Candlelight, Song, and Prayers

A group of about thirty Happy Camp citizens met in a prayer circle around the flagpole in front of the post office just before sunset.

Many prayers were offered as part of a national effort to observe and deal with the pain caused by Tuesday’s terrorist attack on American citizens. Afterwards there were songs including America the Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner. Those who brought candles lit them.

American flags are showing up on Happy Camp businesses and homes, as well as one placed across Highway 96 near the bank. The spirit of patriotism seems to be overtaking us as we stand on the threshold of war.