12 Jul 2021 | 03:35 PM UTC
US: Emergency crews continuing to respond to wildfires burning in California as of July 12 /update 4
Emergency crews responding to wildfires in California, US, as of July 12. Transport disruptions and evacuations likely to continue.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain several wildfires burning in California, US, as of July 12.
Lava Fire
The Lava Fire started June 24 and is impacting Siskiyou County. The fire is approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of Redding, California. As of July 12, the fire has burned approximately 10,282 hectares (25,409 acres) in size and is 75-percent contained. Approximately 282 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities have suggested that the containment date is July 12. All evacuation warnings and road closures have been lifted as of July 12.
Salt Fire
The Salt Fire, which began June 30, is impacting Shasta County and is located 30 km (19 miles) north of Redding, California. As of July 12, the fire has burned approximately 5,119 hectares (12,650 acres) and is 85-percent contained. It has destroyed several structures. Approximately 504 personnel are battling the blaze. Authorities estimate that the blaze will be contained by July 15. All evacuation warnings and road closures have been lifted as of July 11.
Beckwourth Complex
The Beckwourth Complex, which began July 3, is impacting Plumas County. The blaze is located 130 km (81 miles) east of Chico, California, and consists of the Dotta Fire and Sugar Fire. As of July 12, the fire was approximately 134,833 hectares (86,076 acres) in size and 20-percent contained. More than 2,326 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Authorities estimate that the blaze will be contained by July 30; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Evacuations are underway. An emergency shelter is located at Portola Baptist Church at 171 Gulling Street. For further information, please click here.
River Fire
The River Fire, which began July 11, is currently affected Mariposa County. The blaze is located approximately 55 km (34 miles) east of Merced. As of July 12, the fire was approximately 1,617 hectares (4,000 acres) and 5-percent contained. More than 251 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Authorities have not provided a containment date; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuation orders and transport disruptions are ongoing; click here for details.
Emergency services will almost certainly remain widely deployed in the impacted region through July 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 the affected area; 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.
