Wildfires Rage On as Fourth of July Weekend Approaches in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest

With the impending Fourth of July weekend expected to bring heavy traffic to the outdoor destinations of Northern California, wildfire remains top of mind. There are currently three major fires – the Salt, Lava and Tenant fires – burning in popular recreation areas in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. With added outdoor activity during the holiday known for fireworks, new wildfires remain a strong possibility.

It’s a development that’s sure to remain top of mind during the busy weekend.

The Lava and Tenant fires continue to burn north of Mount Shasta, leaving many residents evacuated from their homes and sending a massive cloud of smoke over Siskiyou County. Meanwhile, the Salt Fire at Shasta Lake has left Interstate 5 with one lane in each direction, inevitably bringing long travel delays. In fact, California Highway Patrol is discouraging travel in the area.

Most outdoor destinations have banned the use of ANY fireworks over the week. Some fireworks shows, like the one in Mount Shasta, have been cancelled in lieu of the optics surrounding the fires.

Here is a Friday morning update of the three fires burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest:

Salt Fire

The wildfire burning near Lakehead on Shasta Lake is currently being mapped at 5,043 acres with no announced containment. Photos have shown some homes destroyed in the fire, but that number remains unknown. I-5 has reopened one lane in each direction, but motorists are encouraged to explore other routes as long delays are expected.

Investigators believe the fire was started by a vehicle and are hoping for help in finding it. Evidence indicates that the vehicle was traveling northbound along I-5, just past the Gilman Rd. exit, when extremely hot materials separated from the vehicle and landed in dry vegetation that sparked the wildfire. If you have any information on the vehicle, call Forest Service investigations at (530) 226-2783.

Lava Fire

Firefighters have made progress on the Lava Fire just north of Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County, with the fire currently sitting at 23,849 acres with 27 percent containment. Residents of Lake Shastina and Carrick were allowed to return home on Thursday as fire conditions improved and the fire moved north out of the area.

Here are the current evacuations:

  • North along Highway 97 to County Road A-12
  • Community Juniper Valley off Big Springs Road from Highway 97 to McDonald Lane
  • Mount Shasta Vista Subdivision
  • County Road A-12 north and south
  • Harry Cash Road
  • 4 Corners to Hart Road

The Forest Service has issued closures on the following area of Mount Shasta:

  • Bunny Flat
  • Sand Flat
  • Red Fir Flat
  • McBride Springs
  • Everett Memorial Highway closed at McBride Springs

Tenant Fire

The Tennant Fire broke out on the east side of the Klamath National Forest late Monday afternoon near Highway 97 and Tennant Road. Hot temperatures and winds have fueled rapid fire growth since the fire started. An infrared flight occurred over the incident late last night and mapped the Tennant Fire at 8,159 acres. Fire officials are reporting 6% containment. 

There are currently 278 personnel assigned to the Tenant Fire, including 7 hand crews, 14 engines, 5 dozers, numerous aircraft, and 50 overhead personnel. Here is a map of the current evacuations.

We’d like to urge everyone to stay safe this Fourth of July weekend.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

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