Some evacuations were lifted in Butte County Wednesday for the North Complex of fires in Plumas and Butte Counties. The warnings were lifted for Paradise, Magalia, and Lower Pentz Road. Mandatory evacuations were issued Sunday for the areas of Pulga, Concow, Big Bend, and Yankee Hill. There are still many evacuations through the Highway 70 corridor. 2,342 residential and commercial structures have been destroyed, mostly in Berry Creek, Feather Falls and other communities northeast of Lake Oroville. There have been 15 confirmed fatalities and 2 injuries. The 315,000 acre complex is 79% contained.
The north and south zones of the August Lightning Complex have merged together near the Mendocino/Trinity County line. The largest fire in California history now totals 955,500 acres with 51% overall containment along hundreds of miles of fireline. Crews are working on structure protection for Post Mountain, Forest Glen, Three Forks, Hoaglin, Zenia, Kettenpom, Hettenshaw, Ruth Valley and Mad River Valley. The Forest Service is pleading with the public in these communities to evacuate when the order comes. While slogging up steep slopes in 100 degree heat to protect private property, wildland fire crews have been facing the additional challenge of people refusing to leave, making it more dangerous for everyone.
The Slater Fire that started September 8th in the Klamath National Forest, being managed along with the Devil’s Fire, has been holding at 154,100 acres, part of it in Oregon. It’s now 48% contained. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the Happy Camp area, as well as Indian Creek. At least 2 civilians have died.
Crews fighting the Red Salmon Complex have battled hard for every inch of containment in the extremely steep and rugged terrain. The fire has been burning since July 27th in the Trinity Alps Wilderness about 8 miles northeast of Willow Creek and has burned 124,500 acres. Containment is estimated at 31%. The Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests are closed to all public use until further notice.