I-5 Continues to Be Closed North Of Lake Shasta as the Delta Fire Explodes to Over 15,000 Acres
Yesterday, the rapidly growing Delta Fire closed I-5. [Image from the CHP – Northern Division Air Operations]
InciWeb reports that fire behavior was extreme “with rapid rates of spread up to one mile per hour…observed. The fire front was up to three miles wide on the northern side with approximately 300-foot flame lengths.”
This morning the US Forest Service is reporting, “The fire has grown primarily to the north and northwest of Vollmers, burning on both sides of Interstate 5…[T]he Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating evacuations for areas affected by the incident.”
The Plan:
According to the US Forest Service,
Crews have worked to anchor the south end of the fire along Dog Creek. To stop the fire’s northern spread and protect structures east of Interstate 5, firefighters have started a backfiring operation off a road that runs east from Pollard Flats to Hirz Fire’s western side near Salt Creek Road. Many of the eastern Hirz Fire contingency lines may be used in the efforts to control the Delta Fire…
Dozers are being mobilized to construct fuel breaks and control lines north of the fire front to assist with protecting life and property. Aircraft will be used extensively for water and retardant drops in order to assist with protecting values at risk and slowing the fire’s progression.
Images:
I-5 closed by the fire. [Image from the CHP – Northern Division Air Operations]
Flames leapt high into the air. [Image from the CHP – Northern Division Air Operations]
Evacuation Information:
According to InciWeb, “Numerous structures are threatened, and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has issued mandatory evacuations for residents along the Interstate 5 corridor from exit 707 at Vollmers north to exit 714 at Gibson.. Follow the Shasta County Sheriff’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Shasta-County-Sheriffs-Office-1527637610823075/”
InciWeb also states an evacuation center is open at Mt. Shasta Community Center, located at 629 Alder St. in Mt. Shasta.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation warning for all residents of Dunsmuir. Call the 24-Hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900 or the Dunsmuir Substation at (530) 235-2320 or 235-2232 with questions. Follow the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff.
The Mount Shasta Humane Society is accepting small animals for evacuees using the evacuation shelter. The humane society is at 1208 North Mount Shasta Blvd (530-926-4052).
The Weather:
According to InciWeb, “Weather will continue to be hot and dry with gusty winds that have the possibility to increase fire behavior.”
The Roads:
According to Caltrans:
Northbound I-5 remains CLOSED at Fawndale Road, north of Redding and southbound at Mott Road, north of Dunsmuir. There is currently no ETO for I-5 in the area.
Southbound I-5 truck traffic with permit loads need to exit in Mount Shasta. Mott Road under crossing has height restrictions.
Motorists are asked to NOT use SR 3 as an alternate route, especially trucks. Please use SR 89 and SR 299 as alternate routes to and from Redding and EXPECT LONG DELAYS. Use QuickMap for traffic updates:http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
The MAPS:
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- Delta Fire Operations Map –to see details either zoom or click on the map and download a pdf.
Delta Fire Operations Map Sept 6
- Delta Fire Operations Map –to see details either zoom or click on the map and download a pdf.
- Delta Fire KMZ Map–Zoom for detail or for 3D imagery, click on the map and download a file that connects with your Google Earth program.
Delta Fire Heat Map Sept 6
Earlier Chapter:
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Thank you. I was hoping you would cover this because you do it better than anywhere else. I5 matters to the coast even when it is not in our back yard.
So sorry Redding, it just doesn’t end. We might not live there, but are very connected. Thinking of all you over there and hoping for the best and an end soon.
Second that.
Please let us know how we can help.
Our counties are all interconnected in my mind, all of us who love rural living and community as core values.
Invasive grasses and even aged timber lands are basically kindling.
Plastic houses everywhere don’t help either….
As I said before I have lived through tornado’s and hurricane and you know it will end in a few hours but fire’s they don’t stop until we stop them. This year has been a devastating year with the fires. Praying for everyone.
The coverage is greatly appreciated. I have family in Mt Shasta and this is the most current and factual.