Karuk Tribe declares State of Emergency Due to Ft. Goff Fire

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HAPPY CAMP, CALIFORNIA – Today, the Karuk Tribe declared a state of emergency due to the Fort Goff Fire. The Fort Goff fire (within the Fort Complex) on the Klamath National Forest is creating a Public Health Threat in the Karuk Ancestral Territory and the health and safety of the Tribal and non-Tribal people, property and environment are being seriously impacted and threatened.

State of Emergency

A Mandatory Evacuation has been implemented in Seiad Valley CA for residents that live on Seiad Creek Road, Seiad Oaks Road, and some portions of the west side of Highway 96 due to the threat from the Goff Fire. An emergency evacuation center has been set up at Siskiyou Golden fairgrounds in Yreka, California.

The Karuk Tribe is offering refuge for the residents of Seiad Valley that may not want to travel the 90 minutes to Yreka. In Happy Camp the Karuk Tribe has 20 RV spaces for camp trailers or tent camping. They also have large tents that can set up if necessary. Additionally, the Karuk Tribe has a 230 acre ranch available for livestock grazing. Owners will need to take care of their own livestock.

Please contact Scott Quinn at 1.800.505.2785 for more information or come to the Karuk Tribe Administration Office to check-in. Any additional needs residents may have such as debilitating health conditions will be accommodated; just let us know your needs. For health questions or comments please contact Annie Smith, Public Health Nurse: 530.643.2565.

According to Karuk Chairman Russell "Buster" Attebery, "We're proud to offer a helping hand to folks living in our community."

For any resources you may need, that are not listed above please contact Chairman, Russell "Buster" Attebery: 530.643.2625.

Update

HAPPY CAMP, CALIFORNIA – Current Fort Goff Forest Fire Now Burning 10 miles NW of Happy Camp, California.

posted August 28, 2012 7:00 pm edt