SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Fire crews continue to improve containment numbers while also keeping a wildfire burning in Northern California at bay.
The Salt Fire broke out Wednesday, June 30, near the Lakehead-Lakeshore community of unincorporated Shasta County, north of the city of Redding. The fire is currently 35% contained after burning 12,650 acres near the Salt creek exit south of Lakehead, Calif. There are over 1,500 fire personnel working on containing the fire.
Investigators determined that the cause of the Salt Fire was "extremely hot materials separated from the vehicle and landed in dry vegetation that sparked the wildfire," according to a post by the U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
According to the latest incident report, growth was minimal as crews worked to monitor and control heat.
The report goes on to say, "crews continued working to protect structures and the I-5 corridor. Firefighters continued direct-attack operations to further strengthen containment lines in the northwestern fire area."
Evacuation warnings and orders, as well as road closures, remain in place.
Accounts to follow:
Maps
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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