Lightning-caused Blue Fire grows to 134 acres

YREKA, Calif., August 29, 2025 — The Blue Fire started on August 26th after several days of thunderstorms brought copious amounts of lightning to the Klamath National Forest. The fire is about four miles south of Seiad on Walker Ridge, burning in tall brush and snags from the 2014 Happy Camp Complex. Fire activity picked up on the Blue Fire last night, breaching sections of direct fireline that had been constructed. An infrared detection flight last night mapped the fire at 134 acres. Firefighters were on scene throughout the night. 

Today five hand crews, two dozers, falling modules, and engines are on scene of the fire, which is continuing to burn actively today. CAL FIRE has also dispatched a strike team of engines, firefighter hand crews from the Siskiyou Unit, as well as hand crews from out of the area to aid in the effort. Fire personnel are continuing to attempt direct line construction where possible, while evaluating options for indirect line placement. Air tankers and helicopters are supporting firefighters on the ground with retardant and bucket drops. 

An Evacuation Warning is place for zone SIS-1118, south of Seiad. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the Evacuation Warning area. 

California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team 1, who is managing the Dillon Fire on the Six Rivers National Forest, will assume command of the Blue Fire on Sunday morning.

Evacuations 

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the Blue Fire. For current information on evacuations, monitor https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff.  

Pacific Crest Trail 

The Blue Fire is burning about two miles west of mile 1649 of the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the Evacuation Warning area. Hikers are strongly encouraged to bypass this section of the Trail. 

Information 

For up-to-date information on the Blue Fire, check the Klamath National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathNF and Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caknf-klamath-nf-late-august-lightning-fires-2025.  

Fire Restrictions 

Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. This means that, among other things, campfires are only permitted in designated recreation areas and wilderness. For a list of designated recreation areas and additional restricted activities, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/alerts/fire-restrictions.