US: Emergency crews continuing to respond to wildfires in California as of Aug. 17 /update 13

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain several wildfires burning in California as of Aug. 17. Authorities have declared a state of emergency for El Dorado County due to the Caldor Fire.

Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire, which began July 14, is currently affecting Butte, Lassen, Plumas, and Tehama counties. The Dixie Fire merged with the Fly Fire July 22. The blaze is located approximately 37 km (23 miles) east of Chico. As of Aug. 17, the fire had burned approximately 253,637 hectares (626,751 acres) and is 31-percent contained. Some 6,041 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained by Aug. 30. Reports indicate that at least 1,208 structures have been destroyed and 81 others damaged. The fire has affected much of Greenville. Evacuation orders are in effect in Butte, Lassen, Tehama, and Plumas counties. Emergency shelters for Plumas County are located at the Springs of Hope Church in Quincy and at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Portola. For further information, click here.

McFarland Fire
The McFarland Fire, which began July 29, is currently affecting Trinity County. The blaze is located approximately 60 km (37 miles) west of Redding. As of Aug. 17, the fire had burned about 39,419 hectares (97,407 acres) and is 53-percent contained. Approximately 653 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained by Aug. 21. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. For further information, click here.

Antelope Fire
The Antelope Fire, which began Aug. 1, is currently affecting Siskiyou County. The blaze is located approximately 110 km (68 miles) north of Redding. As of Aug. 17, the fire had burned about 23,336 hectares (57,664 acres) and is 27-percent contained. Approximately 820 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. For further information, click here.

River Complex Fire
The River Complex Fire, which began July 30, is currently affecting Siskiyou County. The complex consists of around 23 fires, of which six have been contained. The largest fires are the Haypress Fire, followed by Summer Fire, and lastly Cronan Fire. The complex is located approximately 82 km (51 miles) northwest of Redding. As of Aug. 17, the fire had burned about 19,512 hectares (48,214 acres) and is 10-percent contained. Approximately 752 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained by Oct. 1; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. For further information, click here.

Monument Fire
The Monument Fire, which began July. 30, is currently affecting Trinity County. The blaze is located approximately 80 km (50 miles) west of Redding. As of Aug. 17, the fire had burned about 48,305 hectares (119,364 acres) and is 10-percent contained. Approximately 920 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained by Sep. 1; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. Emergency shelters are located at Shasta College, Redding and Trinity Valley Elementary School, Willow Creek. For further information, click here.

Caldor Fire
The Caldor Fire, which began Aug. 14, is currently affecting El Dorado County. The blaze is located approximately 80 km (50 miles) east of Sacramento. As of Aug. 17, the fire had burned about 9,275 hectares (22,919 acres) and is 10-percent contained. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained by Aug. 31; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. Emergency shelters are located at Cameron Park Community Services District, Cameron Park, as well as Green Valley Church, Placerville, and the Fireman’s Hall Diamond Springs. For further information, click here.

Emergency services will almost certainly remain widely deployed in the impacted region through August to manage current and future fires. Additional evacuation orders and road closures are likely. Fires could also lead to power supply disruptions.

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in affected areas; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.

Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.

Resources

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