The fire remains within the 2008 Buckhorn, Eagle, Miners and Cedar Fire footprints. Converted brush and a heavy dead and downed 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.

Active fire behavior. High resistance to control. Early easterly transport winds thinned smoke shading and promoted a more traditional peak burn period. A warm, very dry airmass at the surface supported steady fire spread in all fuel types. Fire growth was primarily a function of aggressive surface fire, short, uphill runs and roll-out due to steep, complex terrain. Afternoon heating provided new growth opportunities west of Hayfork towards Hyampom. Additional expansion continued into the well aligned topography north of the 299 corridor within the designated wilderness towards Green Mountain and Thurston Peaks. East of Hoboken, fire continues to make a consistent flanking action along the south slopes of Big Mountain.

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.

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.

Continue to mop up and patrol along the south portion of the fire in Divisions NN and RR, north of Hayfork to the western zone break. Continue fire suppression repair in Div DD, HH, and NN. Begin planning for the demobilization of excess equipment and personnel.

Branch 40: Prepare for firing operations along pre-established lines to keep fire from Hayfork and Hyampom. Perform firing operations from pre-established lines before fire breaches primary containment lines.

Branch 10: Finish control from Hwy 299 north to Hobo Gulch. Patrol and mop-up along Helena and Hwy 299. Support South Zone with resources as needed in Hayfork.

Branch 1: Patrol from Corral Bottom to Burnt Ranch. Monitor New River area for spotting.

12 hrs: With diurnal nighttime winds and shorter days, fire behavior will gradually temper under locally "fair" relative humidity recovery. The contribution of fine fuels to fire spread will diminish throughout the burn period. Wind flow will continue to steer established, deep-seated fire both west and east along the Hayfork Creek corridor; sustaining an ongoing threat to the communities of Hyampom and Hayfork. Continued fire activity along the south slopes of Big Mountain will maintain a threat to the New River corridor, and the community of Hoboken.

24 hrs: Active fire behavior. High resistance to control. Expect continued active burning with "smoke delayed" burn periods past sunset. Very dry large fuels and fully available fine fuels will contribute to unimpeded growth where any fuel continuity exists and suppression resources do not. Daily diurnal wind flow will again steer established, deep-seated fire mainly along the Hayfork Creek corridor; providing an ongoing threat to the communities of Hayfork and Hyampom. Expect northerly spread into the high elevation wilderness below Green Mountain and Thurston Peaks. Continued active burning, north of Ironside Mountain, will represent a threat to Denny.

High pressure strengthened over the area today, ushering in warmer and drier conditions. Typical upcanyon winds prevailed in the afternoon with lighter speeds experienced due to smoke moderation.

Observed:

Max Temperatures: Mid 80s to low 90s

Minimum Humidity: 10-20%

20 ft Winds:

Upper Slopes & Ridges: ENE to ESE morning 2-4 mph gusts near 10 mph, becoming WSW 6-10 mph gusts 15 mph into the afternoon and evening.

Trinity River Basin: Downcanyon 4-8 mph with gusts to 15 mph through 1300, then up canyon 3-5 mph gusts to 15 mph in the afternoon and evening.

Forecast:

Breezy conditions will taper by the evening and transition to down-canyon by midnight. Temperatures will fall into the mid to upper 50s in valleys and mid to upper 60s in thermal belts, with moderate humidity recovery in drainages and poor across ridges.

Smoky conditions will prevail again tomorrow, especially in the morning, as high pressure prevails. A warming trend is expected into Monday with subsequent drier RH values.