The so-called Gap Fire still torching the northwest are of California near Yreka has now blazed nearly 9,000 acres.

The wildfire burning on the Klamath National Forest also remains largely uncontained and a part of the area in its path remains under mandatory emergency evacuation.

Evacuations Still in Order

Residents of Scott Bar, about 45 miles west of Yreka off Highway 96, are still being advised to evacuate, with the Siskiyou Golden Fair grounds serving as an evacuation center.

Authorities were hoping for cooler weather on Tuesday, though conditions are expected to remain dry and wind gusts should grow stronger by the afternoon.

The cause of the blaze remains a mystery and anyone with information is asked to contact Forest Service investigators at 841-4474 or the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at 841-2900.

The fire has already destroyed at least nine structures and at one point over the last several hours showed signs of picking up steam and crossing the Klamath River. The quick-moving blaze spread on tree canopies, requiring nearly 700 firefighters to fight it as recently as early Monday.

"Having the fire jump over the river and spread would pose a significant impact for the firefighters," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Duane Lyon.

Plan in Place

Current operational objectives call for keeping the blaze contained to an area north of Highway 96 between Seiad Valley and Horse Creeks, south of the Siskiyou Crest, East of Seiad Creek, and west of the footprint of the 2014 Beaver Fire.

A public meeting is planned for Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Seiad Volunteer Fire Department and another one is on tap for Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the Scott Bar Community Center.