Trio of Fires Plague Northern California

A trio of continuing fires have been plaguing Northern California according to a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image via the Terra satellite.

Background information from the study notes that the corral complex fire hit due to lightning on August 10, 2013 and is located in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, spanning approximately 2,500 acres, according to a press release. The fire allegedly has a growth potential to reach extreme heights.

According to the release, they note the following: "The Orleans Complex fire started on July 29th, 2013 and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire was moderated by good humidity recovery, although active fire was observed along the southern edge. Crews worked successfully last night to keep the fire around Butler Flat contained. Structure protection continues to be the priority in and around Forks of Salmon as the fire backs down the McNeal Creek drainage. Point protection strategies also incorporate the structures around Knownothing Creek and on the northeast side of the Salmon River. The fire continues to advance toward the west, and firefighters may begin ignitions there today to strengthen those containment lines. The growth potential and the terrain for this fire group is extreme. The fire has already burned over 13,500 acres.

"The Salmon River Complex began on July 31, 2013. The cause was determined to be human in nature. Over 12,000 acres have burned to date. observed fire behavior included creeping and smoldering in heavy dead and down fuels. Rolling material was a concern for firefighters as they patrolled and held the fire within existing containment lines. The fire is anticipated to grow on the west side westerly towards China Gulch. Due to firing operations, growth will continue from Yellow Jacket Ridge south to Murderers Gulch. Growth on the east side of the fire will be southwesterly towards the mouth of Jackass Gulch and Sawyers Bar Road. The crew working on this complex is anticipating a containment date of August 18, however growth potential for this fire is high and the terrain is classified as extreme."

The MODIS imaging use a natural-color satellite to distinguish images of the burning areas via thermal brands that are outlined in red.

More information regarding the fires can be found at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Website.