The McKinney Fire experienced explosive weather-driven growth over the next day and a half, consuming more than 50,000 acres in less than 36 hours, destroying at least 185 structures (including most of the community of Klamath River) and causing 4 fatalities.

[2] Subsequent precipitation over the burn scar led to localized flooding and debris flows, which damaged infrastructure and killed "tens of thousands" of fish in the Klamath River and its tributaries.

"[16] The next morning, on July 30, the fire was assessed at approximately 18,000 acres amid a red flag warning for the region for heat, potential lightning-sparked wildfires, and wind from more thunderstorms.

[17] Governor of California Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Siskiyou County on July 30, as a result of the McKinney Fire.

On July 31, the fire behavior and spread moderated, trapped beneath an inversion layer as thunderstorms with more wetting rain remained over the region as a result of the summer monsoon.

[23] Areas within and near the McKinney Fire's burn scar received evacuation warnings in March 2023 for potential debris flows following heavy rains.

[29][30] Notable structures destroyed also included the Klamath River Community Hall and a building in Oak Knoll that housed archives for the Karuk tribe.

[33] The USFS additionally closed a 110-mile-long portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, between Etna Summit in California and Mount Ashland Campground in Oregon.

[34] Search and rescue teams from both Oregon and California assisted in evacuating at least 60 hikers on the PCT, who were not in immediate peril but were at risk due to the fire's rapid growth and low visibility.

[39][38] In one case, Matt Gutman, an ABC News chief national correspondent, broadcast from the fire zone with a Siskiyou resident looking for her missing uncle on his property.

Because the cause of the McKinney Fire is unknown, the Sheriff's Office argued that the disturbed property where the human remains were found qualified as an active crime scene investigation.

Smoke from the McKinney Fire caused unhealthy air impacts in parts of Northern California and Southern Oregon.

[44] A private contractor working with fire crews was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after flood water and debris flows caused a bridge to give out, trapping him inside his vehicle.

[44] The Karuk and Yurok Native American tribes have been working for years to protect fragile salmon populations in the Klamath River, which may be further impacted as a result of the fire's aftereffects.

[47] Residents of Klamath River speculated whether work on the power line in the neighborhood was the cause of the fire, sharing images of the area taped off.