US: Emergency crews continuing to respond to wildfires in California as of Aug. 9 /update 12

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain several wildfires burning in California as of Aug. 9. Authorities have declared a state of emergency for Siskiyou County due to the Antelope Fire, as well as for Nevada and Placer counties due to the River 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. 9, the fire had burned approximately 195,077 hectares (482,047 acres) and was 22-percent contained. Some 5,137 personnel are battling the blaze. Reports indicate that at least 873 structures have been destroyed. 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. Emergency shelters for Lassen County are located at the Lassen Community College and Lassen High School in Susanville. 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. 9, the fire had burned about 13,330 hectares (32,940 acres) and is 33-percent contained. Approximately 617 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained Aug. 21. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. For further information, click here.

Tamarack Fire
The Tamarack Fire, which began July 4, is currently affecting Alpine County. The blaze is located approximately 37 km (23 miles) south of South Lake Tahoe. As of Aug. 9, the fire had burned about 27,787 hectares (68,663 acres) and is 80-percent contained. Approximately 403 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have estimated that the fire will be contained Aug. 31.

River Fire
The River Fire, which began Aug. 4, is currently affecting Nevada and Placer counties. The blaze is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) northeast of Sacramento. As of Aug. 9, the fire had burned about 1,060 hectares (2,619 acres) and is 68-percent contained. Approximately 494 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. Reports indicate that at least 88 structures have been destroyed and 20 structures damaged. At least three people have been injured. Evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing. An emergency shelter in Nevada County is located at Bear River High School, Grass Valley. 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. 9, the fire had burned about 17,119 hectares (42,301 acres) and is 24-percent contained. Approximately 655 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. An emergency shelter is located at Dorris City Hall. 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. 9, the fire had burned about 10,957 hectares (27,076 acres) and is 7-percent contained. Approximately 560 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. An emergency shelter is located at Etna Fire Department. 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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