Dozens of homes in northern California are threatened by two active fires, one near Lake Shasta and one on the Plumas National Forest.
The 900-acre Salt Creek Fire forced the closure of Interstate 5 in both directions shortly after it started Wednesday near Lakehead. One lane in each direction was reopened yesterday, but Caltrans warned that smoke was limiting visibility. An infrared detection flight yesterday evening reported the fire’s size at 900 acres. The earlier estimate of 500 acres was based on ground observations at night and under smoke cover.
An evacuation order was issued for about 100 structures threatened by the fire; more than 300 firefighters are assigned. Containment last night was estimated at 20 percent, with full containment predicted for Sunday evening.
The Chips Fire on the Plumas has about 425 firefighters assigned. The fire’s 35 miles northeast of Chico near Belden, on the Feather River. Containment was estimated last night at 5 percent; full containment is predicted for August 15. Crews are working in heavy snag areas with brush overstory; the terrain’s extremely steep, rocky, and generally inaccessible.
Though the fire was relatively quiet overnight with cooler temperatures and moderate humidity, crews will be working today in extremely hot and dry conditions, complicated by a very unstable air mass. Fire managers said heat near the north end of the fire could produce large runs and spot fires today if the current inversion lifts. McGowan’s Type 1 team has command of the fire.
