US: Aggressive California fire forces evacuations; I-5 remains closed Sept. 6 /update 8

Event

The so-called "Delta Fire" north of Redding (California) spread rapidly throughout the day on Thursday, September 6. As of 17:15 (local time) on Thursday, the blaze had grown to 6190 hectares (15,294 acres) on both sides of I-5, prompting evacuation notices in Shasta, Trinity, and Siskiyou counties and closing a portion of the interstate. US Forest Service (USFS) estimates flames from the fire reach as high as 91 m (300 ft). There are no reports of containment as firefighters are currently focused on safeguarding lives and conducting evacuations. Mandatory evacuation notices are in effect for residents along the I-5 corridor from Vollmers to Gibson, as well as in Trinity county from East Fork Road to Ramshorn Road. Evacuation advisories are also posted for wider areas in Shasta, Trinity, and Siskiyou counties. I-5 remains closed from Fawndale Road (Shasta Lake) to Mott Road (Mt. Shasta).

The fire is expected to grow rapidly over the night and throughout Friday, September 7, particularly to the north. Rapid rates of spread are predicted north toward Gibson, east toward Greens Mountain, and west toward Damnation Peak. Extreme fire behavior is expected, particularly on uphill runs. Further evacuation and road closures, including of the interstate, are likely in the coming days.

Context

The Delta Fire began from human causes around 13:00 on Wednesday, September 5, approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) north of Lakehead. The fire is burning close to areas already affected by the Carr and Hirz fires. California typically experiences wildfires from May through November.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.

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