SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Firefighters in Shasta County are starting to get the upper hand on the so-called Cow Fire that has been burning in the county since Sunday.
In the latest update from Cal Fire, the Cow Fire is now 50% contained and has burned around 761 acres. The fire started off Highway 44 and South Cow Creek Road, southeast of Millville.
According to Cal Fire, two structures were damaged by the fire and there has been one reported injury to a firefighter. No structures have been destroyed.
“Firefighters are working to increase and reinforce containment lines, as well as extinguish hot spots, which are primarily well interior of the fire perimeter,” Cal Fire wrote in its update on the Cow Fire Tuesday morning.
Wildfire Preps
According to Cal Fire, 2020 was one of the most severe fire seasons on record as 9,917 wildfires burned 4.2 million acres. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, and 31 people (civilians and firefighters) were killed.
California also experienced its first "Gigafire" because of the August Complex Fire, burning over 1 million acres by itself. Four of California's top five largest wildfires in state history happened in 2020.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
