GAZELLE, Calif. — The growing Mountain Fire in Siskiyou County has forced residents out of their homes near the community of Gazelle just as another raging wildfire miles away destroyed homes and left two injured overnight.
According to a Saturday evening update, the Mountain Fire is mapped at 4,812 acres with just 5% containment.
The cause of the inferno, which started Friday on Gazelle-Callahan Road east of Gazelle Mountain, is still under investigation, Cal Fire officials said.
An evacuation center has been set up at the Karuk Tribal Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtishraam Yreka, Ca 96097.
Animals can be taken to Rescue Ranch, 2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka, Ca 96097; or the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds at 1712 Fairline Road, Yreka, Ca 96097.
EVACUATIONS
STAY INFORMED:
FIRE MAP:
This map from the National Interagency Fire Center shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load):
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2021 fire season started earlier than previous years, but also ended earlier, as well. January 2021 saw just under 1,200 acres burned from nearly 300 wildfires. Fires picked up in the summer when the Dixie Fire burned in five Northern California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama. The Dixie Fire started on July 13 and wasn't contained until Oct. 25, burning nearly 1 million acres. It has since become the second-largest wildfire in state history and the largest non-complex fire.
Overall, 2.5 million acres were burned in 2021 from 8,835 wildfires. Over 3,600 structures were destroyed and 3 people were killed.
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, and 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 knowing 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.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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