Deadly Klamathon Fire Rips Through Northern California, State of Emergency Declared
The Klamathon Fire, which has ripped through the small town of Hornbrook near the Oregon border, has grown to 9,600 acres and is now 5 percent contained
The Klamathon Fire, which has ripped through the small town of Hornbrook near the Oregon border, has grown to 9,600 acres and is now 5 percent contained. The fire has devastated the area, burning 12 structures and claiming one life.
Firefighters confirmed that they found the charred remains of a body in one of the structures on Friday, becoming the first fire fatality in California this fire season. Governor Jerry Brown declared a State of Emergency on Friday, allowing for more resources to be sent to the workers on the front lines.
The high winds and steep, rocky terrain has made the fire difficult to contain. Although a more moderate forecast is set for this weekend, hopefully giving firefighters a chance to gain ground against the flames.
Just received a chilling update from @SiskiyouSheriff…
Where I was standing for my 5p.m. live shot is now completely burned over.
Where the #Klamathonfire is moving closest to is next on @KTVL. pic.twitter.com/1DrROFQJDm
— Kimberly Kolliner (@KimberlyKTVL) July 6, 2018
The wildfire has proven to be swift, jumping both the Klamath River and Interstate 5 near the border. I-5 has seen many closures during the fire. Please check updates before traveling through the area. Mandatory evacuations have been called for the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, Colestin and Irongate Reservoir.
Elsewhere in Northern California, crews have cut containment lines around an estimated 37 percent of the County Fire in Yolo County, which has burned across some 135 square miles (350 sq km), destroying nine structures and putting 100 homes in danger.
