06 Sep 2018 | 02:58 AM UTC
US: New northern California fire shuts down I-5 near Redding Sept. 5 /update 7
A new fire north of Redding (California) shuts down northbound and southbound lanes of I-5, prompts evacuations on both sides of highway
Event
The so-called Delta Fire burning north of Redding (California) closed I-5 lanes in both directions as of Wednesday, September 5. The interstate is closed from Fawndale Road, 10 miles north of Redding, to Mott Road, south of the town of Mt. Shasta. The 809-hectare (2000 acre) blaze began around 12:51 (local time) on Wednesday and quickly spread to both sides of the interstate, prompting officials to evacuate residences north of Shasta Lake from Lakehead to Castella. There is no containment line for this fire as of 19:15. The cause of this new fire is unknown.
Context
The Delta Fire is burning close to the Hirz Fire, which is 18,673 hectares (46,142 acres) and 75 percent contained. It is also just to the north of the deadly Carr Fire, which began on July 23 and burned 92,936 hectares (229,651 acres), killing eight people. California typically experiences wildfires from May through November.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.
