Fire
There’s no let up for firefighters in California as they continue to battle a number of wildfires engulfing the hot and dry state. In the last few days, new fires have started and grown rapidly.
A red flag warning has been issued for the Tahoe Basin, active until 5 am Thursday. A combination of stronger winds and low humidity in the forecast have formed a particularly dangerous situation.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation with extremely low humidity and high winds,” the NWS warns. “New fires will grow rapidly out of control, in some cases, people may not be able to evacuate safely in time should a fire approach. Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.”
On the North Shore, North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) and Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD) issued a declaration to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning and recreational campfires.
Officials in several other counties have fought to contain the rapidly growing fires that have scorched thousands of acres of land. In Shasta County alone, fire crews have battled two fires—the Hirz and Delta Fires.
Here’s a roundup of California’s more urgent fires:
Delta Fire
Shasta and Trinity Counties – 53,837 acres, 11 percent contained
In less than a week, the human-caused Delta Fire grew to more than 50,000 acres in Shasta and Trinity counties.
The fire initially prompted the closure of Interstate 5, a key north-south transportation gateway in California, and evacuations were issued for residents living along the Interstate 5 corridor from exit 707 at Vollmers north to exit 714 at Gibson by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation notice for anyone living on East Fork Road to Ramshorn Road east to the Shasta-Trinity county line.
More than 2,400 fire personnel were working to contain the fire.
Hirz Fire
Shasta County – 46,150 acres, 97 percent contained
The massive, human-caused fire first ignited on August 9 in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Since then, the fire burned through 46,150 acres. As of Tuesday, 97 percent of the fire was contained.
A total of 248 fire personnel continued to fight the Hirz Fire. Officials said Tuesday that crews would focus on “holding and mopping up contained areas and securing the remaining uncontrolled edge of the fire near South Fork.”
Snell Fire
Napa County – 2,490 acres, 60 percent contained
The Snell Fire ignited in Napa County on Saturday and burned through nearly 2,500 acres, prompting evacuations and road closures. As of Tuesday, the fire had scorched 2,490 acres and was 50 percent contained. Cal Fire announced Monday that all evacuations and road closures relating to the Snell Fire had been lifted. Residents were reminded to “stay alert and vigilant as fire conditions can always change.”
More than 1,200 fire personnel, as well as 132 engines, 31 fire crews, seven helicopters, 20 dozers, and 20 water tenders, are working to contain the Snell Fire.
Irving Fire
Marin County – 115 acres, 45 percent contained
The Irving Fire in Marin County has only burned through 115 acres since it ignited late on Monday, but it has threatened 150 structures and the communities of Lagunitas and Forest Knolls, according to Cal Fire,
Despite its relatively small size, the Marin County Fire Department issued an evacuation notice for residents living in Mountain King Road, Portola Avenue and Alamo down to Barranca. Residents were told to evacuate to the Lagunitas School “and wait for further information.” The Marin County Fire Department also noted that the Arroyo Road remains closed.
