Firefighters made progress against Northern California forest fires, which have destroyed many homes and forced thousands of residents to flee their communities. Authorities were also preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend that could lead to new fires.
Three wildfires that erupted near Mount Shasta volcano, an hour from Oregon’s border, have destroyed approximately 60 square miles (155 km) of timber and brush.
The Salt Fire caused property damage and forced evacuations of roads in Lakehead. It broke out on Wednesday near Interstate 5 and prompted evacuations of some roads in Lakehead. This unincorporated community is about 700 people north from the city of Redding.
In one part of the community, you could see about a dozen buildings that were destroyed.
Adrienne Freeman spokeswoman for Shasta Trinity National Forest. She said that the Salt Fire covered almost 8 square miles (21 km2) and was 5% contained. Local authorities will make official damage assessments, she said.
The Tennant Fire in Klamath National Forest to the northeast had destroyed five buildings, including two houses, and threatened many hundred more. Although it grew to about 15 square miles (40 kilometers), there was some progress. The western flank was swept up while the east side was still active. Warnings and evacuation orders were issued for areas nearby.
The Lava Fire, which was partially burning on the flanks Mount Shasta’s Mount Shasta, was located to the north. It covered 37 miles (96 km) of land but was only 27% contained. A few thousand Lake Shastina residents were allowed to return home on Thursday night.
The extreme heat wave that hit the U.S. West caused the blazes to erupt. Although the heat has subsided, temperatures in Mount Shasta were expected to rise to nearly 100 degrees (38 Celsius), over the weekend.
Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah were forced to fight wildfires. California is preparing for what experts fear will be its worst fire season yet.
California wildfires ravaged more than 6,562 sq mi (17,000 km) of land last year, making it the largest in recorded history. Three years ago, 85 people were killed in a fire that erupted in Butte County, Northern California. It also largely destroyed Paradise.
Due to fire dangers in the dry, hot summer, many national parks in California have placed restrictions on campingfires, cooking, and smoking. The parks anticipate large crowds during the holiday weekend.
California’s fire authorities have increased their efforts to discourage people from using fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations. They cite both the dangers of using fireworks and the risk of wildfires in the dwindling conditions.
