August 28, 2007

20^th Anniversary of Fire Siege ‘87

The above photos of Happy Camp during th”87 fires are by Jim Waddell and Kerry Waddell respectively. Thank you for sharing the photos with Happy Camp News readers!

Yreka, Calif. (August 28, 2007)-Just two days before Labor Day, 1987, after a summer of rainless heat had baked the woods to kindling, over 11,000 lightning strikes hit and the western states began to burn. During the following 8 weeks the worst fires in nearly 100 years devastated 9 states, including 1,300 square miles in California and Oregon. The wildfire devastation included 406 square miles of the Klamath National Forest and became known as “Fire Siege ‘87”. 

During the first week of the fires 1,274 people were involved with fighting 20,675 acres of wildfires on the Klamath National Forest. By the eighth week 75

wildfires had burned a total of 258,764 acres, or 15%, of the 1.7 million land base of the Klamath National Forest.

The lives of three firefighters were claimed by “Fire Siege ‘87” on the Klamath National Forest. Heavy smoke trapped by temperature inversions plagued firefighters and rural residents for weeks on end. Firefighters from across the  country, including U.S. military, Federal, State and County agencies, as well local residents joined forces to combat the fires. At the peak some 8,003 people battled the wildfires.

“The parallels between “Fire Siege ‘87” and the recent China-Back and Elk Complexes are impressive,” stated Forest Supervisor Peg Boland. “It takes all of us working together to manage a major fire suppression incident. The help we recently experienced is an excellent example of working together to successfully achieve a common goal that benefited the communities as well as National Forest natural resources.”

August 25, 2007

by Judy Bushy

Friday night, August 31st.  is the grand coronation of the Bigfoot Queen in Happy Camp. The event will take place in the River Park Pavilion at 6 PM in the evening. Following the presentation of the Queen and her court, the teen Dance will begin.

Saturday wil be a big day at the park with food, crafts and other vendors all day at the park. The traditional Salmon BBQ with cook Bill Cook, will also be held.

 Sunday is the “Wild West” parade at 11 o’clock beginning by the post office on Davis Road, down Highway 96 to Second Avenue where the parade turns down and over the bridge over Indian Creek. Kenny and Donna McCulley will be the Grand Marshalls of this years parade!

 Come for fun and enjoy visiting with your neighbors along the banks of the wild Klamath River!

August 20, 2007

By Judy Bushy

7th Annual Kids Fair was held last Saturday at the beautiful River Park i Happy Camp. There were games, like duck duck, goose with water balloons. Great fun for a hot day!Thanks to the CHP officers that were there, families were able to have Free CHP Car Seats and Installation. The officers kindly advised and answered families questions on keeping children safe when traveling with the family. They had video and survey to fill our too.

Besides the games and Prizes for the kids, they loved the dental booth. Vickie Waddell gave the children new toothbrushes, brushing timer, and even gum that is good for your teeth. One litle gentleman must have reminded me a million times, that it was good for his teeth!! (Maybe a slight exaggeration!)

Fishing pond was one of the favorite games for the kids, and some even got big teddy bears. Sue Hillman was helping children make puppets with glitter and markers and glue and all that fun stuff.  there was a table to paint a hat,

 There was a raffle for adults, too!  Rita Manley, “Queen of the Universe”–well, I asked, so she jokingly told me I could call her that, was taking a survey on what services the Family Resrouce Center might provide to the community. Some of the suggested items were GED assistance and Seniors’ program. They already do so many things that it is honestly difficult to think of anything not covered yet. They are always looking for ways to be of help in our isolated little town of Happy Camp.

Cliff Stockton was cooking up the hotdogs for lunch.  There wre Free hot dogs, sodas, water which was welcome on that hot afternoon.  Sno cones were also a popular item.

 There was a turtoise to talk to. His name is Barstow.

And Smokey bear arrived with helpers to hand out stickers and things to the kids!

Kids books give away was from the First 4 program for preschool age children who will have a good start in school due to this boost to literacy. What a wonerful time under the shady trees in the grassy area at the right fork of the park drive.  It was a pleasant afternoon to share with community members and vistit with neighbors. Thanks to Dorcas and all the sponsors and volunteers that helped make this a great day. It had to be moved from July due to the fire danger when it was initially scheduled. It ended up being a celebration that our town still stands together!

Sponsored by:HC Family Resource Center in partnership with Siskiyou First 5, Domestic Violence, CHP,Ca Office of Safety Health Childhood Injury Prevention Program, Parrys Market, Clini Pharmacy, Pepsi Cola, SVB, Siskiyou Telephone, Crystal Geyser Bottle Water Co. & Others.

August 9, 2007

August 9, 2007 4pm        (530) 281 4485

Klamath National Forest Announces Reopening of Three Existing Klamath River Closures and Continuing One Closure

Yreka, CA–Klamath River access has been reopened for the following areas; Indian Creek Access, Curly Jack Day Use Access, and Chambers’s Flat River Access. This is a result of increased containment of the Elk Complex wildfire and reduced conflict with helicopter operations. However, boaters need to avoid landing on the fire side of the Klamath River (east or south side depending on the orientation of the river segment). Hazards still exist in the fire area—including loose rocks and debris, as well as a high number of rattlesnakes.

Based on concern for the safety of the public and firefighters, the Wingate Bar River Access area, located in the W ¼ of Section 5, T.15 N., R.7 E., HM, continues to be closed to launching of boats.

August 2, 2007

Forest Service Update

Total Complex Acreage: 16,449 acres
Incident Resources: 805 personnel
Total Complex Containment: 80%
Cost to Date: $17,400,000
Injuries to Date (minor): 15
Fatalities to Date: 1
Expected Full Containment: 8/05/2007

Siskiyou County Public Health Officer, Stephan Perlman, M.D. again wants to advise residents throughout Siskiyou County to be aware that air quality may be extremely poor in some areas due to severe smoke today. Residents in areas with poor air quality are advised to remain indoors and refrain from physical exertion. In areas with visibility less than 2 miles, drivers are cautioned to drive carefully and to turn their headlights on as they drive through the area. Firefighters plan to continue to use aerial ignition to burn portions of the interior of the fire on the King Creek 2/Wingate/Titus Fires. This involves releasing ping pong ball size incendiaries (PSD’s) as the helicopter flies over the area to be burned. As the fire slowly backs down towards the Klamath River the percentage of containment will rise. Crews are continuing to secure established firelines. Patrol and mop up the Little Grider Fire continues. Complex Fire Details

Of the thirty identified fires in the Elk Complex, 25 are 100% contained. The contained fires will continue to be monitored, patrolled and staffed as necessary. The remaining five fires are as follows:

* Wingate/Titus/King Creek 2 acres is 13,381 acres (increase in acreage due to limited burning of interior) and 76% contained. Firelines have been constructed and limited burning of interior areas will continue. A closure for campers and miners, from Five Mile Bridge to Norcross Campground on Elk Creek Road remains in place.

* Elk Fire (1,144 acres) 96% contained and remains in aerial patrol.

* Hummingbird Fire (80 acres) 0% contained. The fire remains in aerial patrol.

The Forest Service, in cooperation with the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District, has installed an air quality monitoring station in Happy Camp. Real-time data may be viewed online at SatGuard.