Slater Fire Update

HAPPY CAMP, CALIFORNIA—The Slater Fire started during the night of September 7, near Slater Butte Fire Lookout on the Klamath National Forest. As of 8 am September 9, 2020 the wind driven wildfire has grown to an estimated 30,000 acres—moving in a northwesterly direction into Oregon. An estimated 150 homes were lost in the Happy Camp area. An evacuation order was issued for the town of Happy Camp as well as various roads adjacent to Happy Camp. Currently Highway 96 is closed from Fort Goff on the northeast side of Happy Camp and to Clear Creek on the southwest side. The Grayback Road is closed from Happy Camp northwest to Oregon. The community of Gasket, California has also been ordered to evacuate.

Initial attack fire fighters from the Klamath National Forest, CAL FIRE and local volunteers fire departments have been aggressively fighting the fire but high winds, high temperatures and very dry vegetation have hampered efforts. In addition, high winds and smoke have prevented use of air attack planes.

Incident Management Team 10 is arriving today. They will be taking over management of fire fighting efforts a 6 am, September 10, 2020.

A temporary evacuation center is available at the Seiad Volunteer Fire Department, 44601 Highway 96 in Seiad Valley, California 96086. An overnight evacuation center is available at the Karuk Tribal Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtisraam, Yreka, CA 96097.