SHASTA COUNTY, Calif — 4:15 p.m. update:
An on the ground look at Shasta County in the wake of the Zogg Fire's destructive blaze shows the charred remains of trees—a wilted brown and blackened forest. A melted car sits just off the road.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services [Cal OES] toured parts of Shasta County to understand more the breadth of the fire's destruction in the area with the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] Region 9, with the latter there to "help assess the need for federal funds."
Though the fire began only recently on Sept. 27, 56,305 acres have been gobbled up. The cause of the fire is still unknown. However, the incident has taken a toll: the blaze has resulted in four fatalities, one firefighter injury and 204 structures destroyed.
Similarly, the homes of wildlife have also been destroyed. The Shasta County Department of Agriculture reminds residents to be aware of roaming livestock and other animals as they re-enter fire-affected communities.
Bears are a specific concern, as they have "lost much of their natural food sources" and "may become troublesome around residences."
11:30 a.m. update:
An evacuation order has been lifted for Rainbow Lake Road and all adjoining roadways west of Sunny Hill Road.
The road closure on Rainbow Lake Road at Sunny Hill Road will remain in effect for 24 hours and then be opened to residents only.
Traffic control points have been set up at the following locations:
- Rainbow Lake Road at Sunny Hill Road
- Zogg Mine Road
Original story:
Cal Fire Shasta-Trinity Unit reports no additional fire growth overnight as crews continue to make progress in containing the Zogg Fire in Shasta and Tehama County.
The fire, which remains 56,305 acres and is 82 percent contained, began on Sept. 27. The cause of the fire is still unknown, though the blaze has resulted in four fatalities, one firefighter injury, and 204 structures destroyed.
Cal Fire SHU says in an incident report, "firefighters successfully furthered the containment through the night. Within the fire perimeter expect smoldering of residual fuels."
Though the news on containment was positive, Cal Fire remains cautious about fuels in the fire zone, as hot and dry temperatures over the past two months have resulted in extremely dry, receptive grass, timber and brush.
There are still some evacuation orders and warnings in place in Shasta County. Click here for updates on evacuations from the Shasta County Sheriff.
Road closures:
- Platina Road at Buell Road is open to residents only
- Platina Road at Rainbow Lake Road is open to residents only
- Rainbow Lake Road at Sunny Hill Road
- South Fork Road at Zogg Mine Road
MAPS
This map includes mandatory evacuations and warnings in the area, as well as road closures. Red indicates a mandatory evacuation and yellow indicates a warning.
Several roads in Shasta County are temporarily closed because of the fire.
WILDFIRE PREPS
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.