BUTTE COUNTY, Calif — Click here for the latest story on the North Complex Fires.
7:45 p.m. update:
In the West Zone of the North Complex fires, Cal Fire firefighters managed to hold flames in check and neither lost or gained containment on the blaze since their last update.
The North Complex West Zone Fire is at 84,595 acres burned with 88% containment. As a whole, the North Complex is at 306,135 and 78% contained.
Evacuation orders remain in place for the areas of Pulga, Concow, Big Bend, and Yankee Hill. The town of Paradise along with Stirling City and Magalia are under evacuation warnings.
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6:15 p.m. update:
A fire that sparked over the weekend in the Grizzly Forebay area in the Plumas National Forest has now become part of the North Complex fires, according to the National Forest Service.
Officials said the fire is about 10 to 12 miles northeast of Paradise.
Due to gusty winds, air resources haven't been able to reach the fire. They're hoping to get a better idea of how big the fire is once the winds die down.
Evacuation orders remain in place for the areas of Pulga, Concow, Big Bend, and Yankee Hill. The town of Paradise along with Stirling City and Magalia are under evacuation warnings.
Paradise and surrounding areas were devastated in the 2018 Camp Fire, known as the deadliest wildfire in state history. For Brian Voight, a long time resident of Paradise, the evacuation warning has brought up a lot of emotions for people in the area.
He said that his girlfriend lost everything in the Camp Fire. Now, he and many others are anxiously waiting for news on evacuations. Nonetheless, he stands ready to leave when needed.
He's packed albums, pictures, his kids' trophies, some shirts, and other belongings that he doesn't want to lose.
“People are ready to leave again, and it’s just because it feels to them like it’s just never ending since the Camp Fire,” Voight said.
1:00 p.m. update:
As some new evacuation orders go into effect, others are being lifted or downgraded.
All evacuation orders and warnings in Yuba County have been lifted as it relates to the North Complex West Zone. This includes Forbestown, Clipper Mills, Challenge, Rackerby, Strawberry Valley, Brownsville and Woodleaf. Residents of these areas can now safely return to their homes.
Butte County Sheriff's Office also lifted some evacuation warnings and orders for areas south of Lake Oroville.
Original story:
Evacuation orders have reemerged for the North Complex West Zone Fire as a Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Monday, possibly extending in to Tuesday, says Cal Fire.
The fire is at 84,525 acres and 88 percent containment, though the total acreage of the North Complex Fire, of which the West Zone is only a part, is 306,135 acres with 78 percent containment.
On Sunday, new evacuation orders were issued. Butte County Sheriff's Office called for immediate evacuation of Pulga, Concow, Big Bend and Yankee Hill. An evacuation warning was issued for the areas of Stirling City, Magalia and Clark Road from the Paradise town limits south to Highway 70. The town of Paradise has issued an evacuation warning as well for the entire town.
A PG&E power line sparked the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, killing 84 people, burning roughly 153,336 acres and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.
Cal Fire says containment lines in the West Zone "have been tested" by the weather over the weekend. Despite strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity, "the fire lines continue to hold." Still, firefighters are mopping up debris in hotspots to prevent any embers flying over the lines, while patrols are being conducted in the fire area.
The North Complex West Zone, previously known as the Bear Fire, entered Butte County on Sept. 8 and since then, has resulted in 2,342 structures destroyed, 113 damaged, two first responder injuries and 15 deaths.
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WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, in 2019, California wildfires burned just under 260,000 acres from 7,860 incidents. Over 700 structures were damaged or destroyed and three people were killed. This followed two years of some of the “deadliest and most destructive wildfires” in California history.
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 to best prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.