BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — Update: 06/30/2021
The Butte County Sheriff's Office lifted the evacuation warnings for the Lake Philbrook and Snag Lake Areas.
The warnings were issued in response to the so-called Sky Fire in Lassen National Forest. Officials from the Lassen National Forest said in a tweet that the Sky Fire is still at 76 acres and has increased to 50% containment.
Original Story:
The Butte County Sheriff's Office has issued an evacuation warning as a wildfire burns in Lassen National Forest.
The sheriff's office issued the warning for the Lake Philbrook and Snag Lake areas in response to the so-called Sky Fire, which is burning at a moderate rate of spread.
According to Lassen National Forest (Lassen NF), the Sky Fire located near Philbrook Lake is roughly 80 acres and is 15% contained.
A spokesperson for Lassen NF said that fire crews worked overnight from June 27 to 28 and "got dozer line around the main fire."
"In cooperation with CAL FIRE and Butte County Sheriff's Office, this joint effort is remarkable and requires the public to pay attention to potential evacuations in the area," said Cal Fire Deputy Chief Dustan Muelleron on Facebook.
However, full containment still remains out of reach for now.
"Several spot fires in inaccessible terrain are making containment status difficult for heavy equipment," the spokesperson with Lassen NF said.
Officials said there are numerous resources on the fire, but that extremely rough terrain and extreme weather conditions are hindering containment status.
Officials are asking people to stay away from the area.
MAPS
Evacuation zone map for Butte County is below.
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.
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