McKinney Fire

The McKinney Fire is a fast-growing wildfire fueled by strong winds from thunderstorms and high temperatures in Northern California has grown to 55,493 acres, becoming the state’s largest wildfire so far this year and forcing evacuations in rural neighborhoods. According to Cal Fire, the McKinney Fire started on Friday, July 29, 2022 in Siskiyou County at Hwy 96 and McKinney Creed Rd, southwest of Klamath River. A portion of Hwy 96 remains closed due to the fire and travelers should check CalTrans road conditions prior to traveling as the fire is 0% contained. The NY Times says that the blaze began burning through dry timber in the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County near the Oregon state line. The fire has caused thick smoke to cover the area and flames to burn through hillsides in sight of the houses. As the fire continues to spread, more than 4,900 structures are threatened and over 100 structures have burned so far. On July 30, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsome of California declared a state of emergency for Siskiyou County, and nearly 3,000 people have been ordered to evacuate since then. In Siskiyou County 60 hikers were rescued by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team in Oregon. While there are no evacuation orders issued for Jackson County, the area does remain under watch for fire risk since smoke and ash from the fire are impacting the area. Local search and rescue teams are looking through evacuation zones for hikers and campers as there is likely little to no cell service on parts of the trail and may not know how close they are to the fire. Sources also say that the fire presents an “immediate threat to life” and the area is “lawfully closed to public access.”

For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after July 29, 2022.