Shelly Fire Rapidly Spreads to 250+ Acres in Siskiyou County

Yreka, California- A fast-moving fire has ignited near Shelly Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail in Siskiyou County, quickly expanding to 250 acres. Spot fires are emerging ahead of the main blaze, complicating containment efforts.

“Fire officials believe the Shelly Fire will be a long-duration fire,” stated Chris Christofferson, acting forest supervisor, in a media release from the Klamath National Forest. “We have ordered up a complex incident management team due to the fire’s location and the terrain it is burning in.”

Authorities have enacted closures on the Pacific Crest Trail between Etna Summit and Shackleford Trail due to the fire’s proximity.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office reported that no structures are currently threatened, and there are no active evacuations. The Forest Service is conducting aggressive initial attack efforts, deploying air tankers, helicopters, and a lead plane. Smokejumpers are also on scene.

A closure order for the affected section of the Pacific Crest Trail is underway. For more information, the public can contact the fire information hotline at 530-643-0279.