Reading Fire in Trinity County Nearly 40 Acres

The Reading Fire, which broke out last night near Reading Creek Road and State Highway 3, approximately two miles south of Douglas City in Trinity County, has scorched 39 acres of timber and is currently 25% contained, according to the Northern California Geographic Coordination Center.

Firefighters reported that the forward spread of the fire has been stopped, though evacuation warnings remain in place for surrounding areas. CAL FIRE officials note that the fire is burning in a remote area with difficult access, complicating suppression efforts. Structures remain threatened as crews continue to strengthen control lines around the perimeter.

“Control line construction is ongoing,” CAL FIRE reported this morning, “with crews making progress to improve and hold containment lines.” Additional firefighting crews and equipment have been assigned to the area.

Today’s weather poses additional challenges, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. The area is expected to be sunny and hot, with a high near 104 degrees and light variable winds. Such weather can produce erratic fire behavior, with high temperatures and lightning strikes potentially igniting new fires or reigniting hotspots.

We’ll be following the situation closely, and we will provide updates as more information comes in.

The Maps:

• 

  The fire footprint near Douglas City. [Image from Cal Fire]

[Image from Cal Fire]

Evacuation Warnings

Evacuation warnings have been issued for the following zones:

• DUG-258
• DUG-260

Earlier: Reading Fire Ignites Near Douglas City, Prompts Full Wildland Response