The fire remains squarely within the 2008 Buckhorn, Eagle, Miners and Cedar Fire footprints. Type converted brush and a heavy dead and down component dominate most areas. Fuels to the north of Hayfork are characterized as widely spaced mixed conifer and grass. All live fuels are cured to levels normally seen in late September.

Fire is fuels driven resulting from extended and extreme/enhanced drought with influence of steep slopes and winds. The north portion of the fire from Big Creek to the North Fork Trinity River had very active fire behavior and moderate growth. Additional growth and very active fire behavior occurred in the southeast portion of the fire north of the community of Hayfork. Activity was associated with hot and very dry conditions with steady west winds and good ventilation to allow fire behavior to increase. Flanking and backing fire consumed all surface fuels with moderate flame lengths and rates of spread. Moderate overnight relative humidity recovery has been consistent for the last two nights.

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has provided the following priorities: 1. Minimize eastern progression of fire towards Junction City and Weaverville, 2. Reduce impacts of southwestern progression to Hayfork and Hyampom while maintaining access to Hyampom, 3. Minimize impact for values at risk to the northwest side of the fire including Burnt Ranch, Hawkins Bar, Trinity Village, Bell Flat, Daily, and Denny.

Provide structure defense for the communities of Burnt Ranch, Friedrich Road, Hawkins Bar, Trinity Village, Cedar Flat, Underwood Mountain, 9- Mile Bridge, and Bar 717. In the southwest segment of the fire, patrol and mop-up along Corral Bottom Road/47 Road and Prodigy site. Continue direct handline down Haypress Road. Continue developing and improving primary indirect line along Pattison Road to Pattison Ridge, Pattison Peak Road, down through Halfway Ridge and east to Jud Creek tying in at 9- Mile Bridge to connect with the South Zone.

Some heat remains in the confluence of the New and Trinity Rivers. If fire were to become established to the west of the New River, access and resistance to control will be problematic. Spotting has occurred in this area. Patrol and activity within the Highway 299 and Trinity River corridor will be reduced, but resources available to respond if need arises from adjacent divisions.

Provide structure defense for the communities from Helena east through Junction City and north along Canyon Creek and the East Fork of the North Fork River. Reinforce indirect line north of the New River from Happy Camp Mountain to the confluence of the Trinity River. Take action on any spots across and west of the New River. Prepare structures along the New River from Five Waters northward towards Denny.

Evaluate options for managing fire to keep from progressing east of the East Fork of the North Fork and impacting values of risk to the east. This may include options for direct line to burning out along the East Fork and Hobo Gulch Road. Dozer line along Backbone Ridge within the Trinity Alps Wilderness should be completed on Monday. Continue to prep structures in Canyon Creek and alternate line to be used should fire progress east of the East Fork and Hobo Gulch Road.

California Interagency IMT 5 returned and was inbriefed on Sunday. Monday will be a shadow day to develop greater situational awareness. Transfer of Command is scheduled for Tuesday at 0700. Plans are in place for command of the Knob Fire to be taken over by the California Interagency IMT 5.

Continue building indirect line in the north portion of Division RR and monitor conditions for opportunities to implement firing operations to the east of Sims Gap. Continue construction of contingency line to protect the community of Hayfork. Continue mop up and patrol along the south portion of the fire in Divisions NN and RR, north of Hayfork. Continue Evaluate equipment needs and allocate resources to Fire Suppression Repair as they become available.

12 hours: Active fire growth is expected in areas where the smoke clears and currently has established fire and heat. High resistance to control is being realized during direct attack and burn-out holding operations. Dry conditions will contribute to the potential for spotting and active surface fire. Moderate to high fire intensity is expected in the north flank of the fire near French Creek watershed as light up-drainage winds align with steep slopes to increase fire that had been actively burning in surface fuels.

24 hours: Potential for active fire behavior with high resistance to control is likely in uncontained areas as smoke clears. Predicted winds will continue to clear out smoke from the River Complex and increase ventilation throughout the fire. The possibility of clearing and ventilation is increased from previous burn periods as a south-southwest flow will likely push smoke out of drainages on the southern and western flank. Expect moderate to high fire behavior to develop in areas with established fire in areas that clear out by early afternoon. Torching and spotting is expected on the northern flank, mainly the French Creek watershed and west of Backbone Ridge.

Observed Weather: Increased westerly flow ahead of an approaching upper level trough brought better ventilation of smoke this afternoon after a stronger morning inversion started to lift. Low temperatures ranged in the 50s to low 60s in thermal belts with humidity recovery of 25-40% on ridges and 60-80% in drainages. Stronger west winds elevated the strength of up-canyon winds, with peak gusts near 25 mph within aligned drainages and across exposed ridges during the late afternoon and into the evening. High temperatures ranged from the mid 90s in valleys to near 80 across ridges with minimum humidity in the 11-20% range.

Tuesday Outlook: Trending cooler Tuesday with increased westerly flow as an upper level disturbance moves across the Pacific northwest. Low daytime humidity will be stronger than typical up-canyon winds in the afternoon and evening.