US: Fire causes flight delays in San Francisco November 13 /update 7

Event

Officials at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced on Tuesday, November 13, that smoke from the nearby so-called Camp Fire is causing delays and cancelations. The Camp Fire is currently burning in Butte county and smoke from the blaze is causing reduced visibility around SFO. As of 13:20 (local time), around 200 flights have been delayed and another 13 canceled. Further flight disruptions are possible in the coming hours and days as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

The Camp Fire has burned approximately 50,600 hectares (125,000 acres) as of Tuesday. At least 42 people have been killed and many others are unaccounted for. The fire is only 30 percent contained; it is expected to be fully contained by November 30. More than 6770 structures have been damaged or destroyed and another 15,500 are threatened. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect in various areas, including Paradise, Magalia, Concow, Butte Creek Canyon, Pulga, and Butte Valley. A number of roads in the vicinity of the fire have been closed.

Context

The Camp Fire is the most destructive and deadliest in the California’s history.

Advice

Travelers flying to or from SFO are advised to confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport and to contact their airline for additional information.

Individuals in the affected area are advised to exercise caution when traveling near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and closely monitor the situation via the Cal Fire website.