Wildfires Ravage Northern California, State of Emergency Declare

Four wildfires have so far consumed approximately 20 square miles of land in Northern California

Twitter/The Press Democrat

As four wildfires spread rapidly through Northern California communities, Governor Jerry Brown has declared a State of Emergency. The Pawnee Fire in Lake County, the Lane and Stoll Fires in Tehama County, and the Creek Fire in Shasta County, have so far consumed approximately 20 square miles of land.

Here is an update on each fire:

Pawnee Fire

The worst of the fires has been the Pawnee Fire, which broke out Saturday in Clearlake Oaks and has so far burned 8,200 acres with no containment and forced evacuations for thousands of people. Governor Jerry Brown declared a State of Emergency for the Pawnee Fire on Monday. It has destroyed 22 buildings and threatens hundreds more.

Erratic winds and difficult terrain have made this fire very difficult to contain. At least 237 firefighters were continuing firefighting efforts Monday, using seven dozers and two helicopters.

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is stressing that anyone hit with an evacuation order to leave immediately. Failing to do so can put you or rescue workers in danger.




Lane Fire

The Lane Fire in Tehama County has burned around 3,000 acres, but firefighters were able to avoid it from destroying any houses or buildings. The fire is now contained at 20 percent, with around 200 homes in danger.

More than 1,100 firefighters are battling the blaze, along with six helicopters and 13 dozers to reinforce containment and suppress the flames.




Stoll Fire

Just west of Red Bluff in Tehama County is the Stoll Fire, which fire crews were able to contain to 60 percent containment and down to just 300 acres of burn area. The fire destroyed multiple residential and commercial buildings, but as of now many of the evacuated residents were able to return to their homes.




Creek Fire

The Creek Fire in the southwest region of Redding in Shasta County has burned 1,300 acres and is now 30 percent contained. This area has seen its share of fires in the past decade, including the devastating Clover Fire in 2013.

There are road closures all over the Happy Valley area and an evacuation center has been set up at West Valley High School.

We will continue to update this story.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

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