[UPDATE 10.27 p.m.: Contained] Multiple Structures Threatened as New Fire Breaks Out in Siskiyou County

Whitworth Fire is moving through a wooded area north of Etna in Siskiyou County. [Image from ALERTCalifornia]

The fire is reported to be only about 2 acres burning in forest understory but has moved into an inhabited area. Copters are dropping water and trying to stop the flame’s forward momentum.

Tankers 94 and 95 are on their way from Redding.

A west wind is pushing about 5 to 10 miles per hour. The Incident Commander reports that this is moving relatively slowly.

Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for the following areas.

Zonehaven map: The red shows evacuation areas and the yellow shows evacuation warnings. Go to Zonehaven to zoom in.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: The Incident Commander tells dispatch that they are holding off on the tankers as those fighting the fires are reporting that they are getting a handle on it. The fire is holding at a couple of acres, he said.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the Evacuation Order zone to an Evacuation Warning.

UPDATE 7:54 p.m.: Cal Fire reports, “Fire is 5 .5 acres and 70%contained. All evacuations have been lifted. The cause of the fire was determined to be an escape debris burn.”