Shelly Fire Prompts Closures Along Pacific Crest Trail

The Shelly Fire, currently raging in Klamath National Forest, has grown to an alarming 8,285 acres with zero containment as of July 10. This aggressive blaze now threatens the PCT, closing a nearly 60-mile stretch near Etna. 

For PCT hikers, the section between Etna Summit (mile 1,601.4) and Seiad Valley (mile 1,657) is closed. Additional evacuation warnings extend north into the Grider Creek drainage.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) encourages thru-hikers to utilize their new, free resource to stay safe — the Pacific Crest Trail Closures App or website, which offers real-time updates on this evolving incident. 

Photo Credit: U.S. Forest Service – Klamath National Forest

Ignited on July 3 in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Shelly Lake, the Shelly Fire has since spread rapidly which overlaps with a 2017 burn area, complicating containment efforts. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Despite a persistent response from fire crews, including over 2,000 personnel and multiple air and ground resources, the fire continues to loom large due to grueling terrain and dry, hot conditions. In fact, this expansive blaze has grown 2,000 acres since Tuesday.

Although yesterday’s smoke inversion helped slow the burn, according to authorities, the region also remains under an excessive heat warning with temperatures skyrocketing well above normal. Winds are expected to strengthen into late this week, contributing to the fire’s unpredictable behavior and making firefighting efforts more challenging. 

For immediate updates, hikers can visit InciWeb or call the fire information hotline at 530-643-0279. A more detailed evacuation map and zone information can also be found at Protect Genasys. 

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Featured image courtesy of U.S. Forest Service – Klamath National Forest