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a day ago
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Green Fire grows 1,000 acres on Lake Shasta's Pit River arm in Shasta-Trinity forest
Firefighters continue to battle the fast-moving Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest wilderness northeast of Redding, roughly 8 miles west of Montgomery Creek. Fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, the fire grew to 11,643 acres by 8 a.m. Monday — up from 10,334 on Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It remained 5% contained Monday morning after it spread up against the Pit River over the weekend. Note to readers: We've made this story free as an important public service to our North State communities. If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in supporting coverage that matters to you. Smoke from the Green Fire boosted air pollution levels over Redding and other parts of Shasta County. Pollution reached levels considered very unhealthy to any person's health around midnight Monday, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow pollution count web page, then dropped to moderate levels. The good news was that heavy smoke is cooling the air into the high 90s over the fire during the day, firefighters reported. A heat advisory remains in effect Monday in Redding and throughout the North State. Temperatures in parts of the Sacramento Valley could reach 110 degrees after a scorching weekend already dried out air and vegetation in the North State. Here's how far the Green Fire burned over the weekend, Operations Section Chief Gino DeGraffenreid said in an update. The eastern edge of the fire spread to the top of the ridge next to Rip Gut Creek. It's also burning in the creek area in the northern part of the ridge. The Green Fire continues spreading south toward the Pit River. The river is the primary means of containing the fire's southern flank, DeGraffenreid said. The northern flank reached the Smith Creek drainage, an area south of containment lines. Pushed by morning winds, the Green Fire is spreading west toward Brock Mountain Road. The northwest section of the road is serving as the primary containment on that side of the fire, DeGraffenreid said. Boaters are being told to avoid parts of Shasta Lake where two super scoopers are gathering water to mount air attacks over the fire. The forest service is using the specialized aircraft to scoop water from the lake and drop it on the blaze. Those planes need a mile of open water to refill their tanks. Recreational boaters must steer clear so they don't block firefighting operations and keep air crews safe. Besides super scoopers, the forest service and other fire suppression agencies are using nine helicopters, 26 bulldozers and 96 engines, the forest service said Monday. A total of 1,402 people are battling the Green Fire, including 27 firefighter crews. Of those 27, 18 are hotshot crews — teams of experienced firefighters with specialized knowledge regarding fire suppression in rugged wilderness. The forest service also has five field ambulances positioned throughout the area, and four suppressionboats along the Pit River. Emergency watercraft helped rescue a firefighter with a heat-related illness over the weekend and secured defense lines along a portion of the river, the forest service reported. That heat advisory for Redding and most of Northern California ends at 11 p.m. on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. While the weather will remain dry, temperatures in Redding and throughout the North State are expected to cool down into the double digits starting Tuesday night, according to forecasters. That could slow the Green Fire down and allow firefighters to build containment, the weather service said. Yes, an evacuation order remained in place Monday for a swath of land identified as zone LKH-1448-A, north of Kennedy Memorial Road and south of Wheeler Nursery Road, according to zone maps. People evacuating west can go to a collection point at the Gilman Road and Interstate 5 intersection, the county announced. People evacuating east toward Highway 299 can gather at Halcumb Cemetery, 29943 Highway 299 in Montgomery Creek, according to the county. Zone LKH-1448-B to the north of the Green Fire area is still under an evacuation warning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office issued. That area is north of Wheeler Nursery Road. Two other zones remained under evacuation warnings on Monday: Zone LKH-1200 to the west of the Green Fire area — from north of Ski Island, south of Dekkas Creek, east of the McCloud River and west of Bully Hill. Zone LKH-1190 to the northwest — from north of Hirz Creek, south of the McCloud Bridge and east of Matquaw Flat. To find your zone, type your address into the search window at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. The forest service closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. The burn area is closed and off limits to the public, the forest service said. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica on Record Searchlight Facebook groups Get Out! Nor Cal , Today in Shasta County and Shaping Redding's Future. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Green Fire spreads to 11,600 acres. Smoke pollution soars over Redding
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3 days ago
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Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire in Shasta-Trinity forest near Lake Shasta
Fire officials working the Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest northeast of Redding announced they are using two "Super Scooper" planes to drop water and help extinguish flames. The U.S. Forest Service also said a firefighter suffered from heat-related illness and was taken by a firefighting boat, which has a medic onboard, to a waiting ambulance so they could receive more medical care. As of Sunday, the growing fire's size was mapped at 10,334 acres from 9,563 on Saturday, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions this time of year in the region. A heat advisory remained in effect through 11 p.m. Monday due to temperature highs that would range from 95 degrees to 110 degrees in parts of the Sacramento Valley. The Super Scoopers was expected to draw water from various arms of Lake Shasta, but they need a mile of open space to refill their tanks. Boaters should move toward the shore so as to not impede the firefighting operations and keep air crews safe, the forest service said in a statement. For the first time since lightning sparked the fire on July 1, the forest service reported firefighters built containment lines around 5% of the Green Fire. That's because to the south, the flames reached the Pit River. Watercraft, including the one that carried the ill firefighter to medical treatment, were in that area and secured defense lines along a portion of the river, the forest service said. Those boats were expected to continue suppression efforts along the river. Nearly 1,200 fire personnel are assigned to the fire. In addition to the two airships, nine helicopters, 26 bulldozers, 56 engines, 16 hotshot crews and 10 other crews are fighting the fire. The forest service also has 15 ambulances staged throughout the area to respond to and support firefighters. Note to readers: We've made this story free as an important public service to our North State communities. If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in supporting coverage that matters to you. On the north side of the fire, or the area of Alder Springs, flames backed down toward the burn scar of the Shoe Fire, which burned more than 5,000 acres before it was contained Nov. 9, 2024. On the east side, the fire crossed Flat Creek and to the southwest, the fire moved across the Brock Mountain Road. The forest service said firefighters limited the fire's growth on the east side and secured the remainder of Brock Mountain Road to the north and northwest. An evacuation order was still in place for a swath of land identified as zone LKH-1448-A, north of Kennedy Memorial Road and south of Wheeler Nursery Road, according to zone maps. People evacuating west can go to a collection point at the Gilman Road and Interstate 5 intersection, the county announced. People evacuating east toward Highway 299 can do to a collection point at Halcumb Cemetery, 29943 Highway 299 in Montgomery Creek, according to the county. Zone LKH-1448-B to the north of the Green Fire area was under an evacuation warning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office issued. That area is north of Wheeler Nursery Road. Other people who should be prepared to leave the area in case of a mandatory order were in zones: Zone LKH-1200 to the west of the Green Fire area — from north of Ski Island, south of Dekkas Creek, east of the McCloud River and west of Bully Hill. Zone LKH-1190 to the northwest — from north of Hirz Creek, south of the McCloud Bridge and east of Matquaw Flat. To find your zone, type your address into the search window at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. The forest service also closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. The fire started on July 1 north of the Pit River arm of Lake Shasta, and south of the Chirpchatter Campground, according to the forest service. That area is about 8 miles west of Round Mountain, according to Cal Fire maps. (This story will be updated as new information becomes available.) This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire as it grows north of Redding
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3 days ago
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Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire in Shasta-Trinity forest near Lake Shasta
Fire officials working the Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest northeast of Redding announced they are using two "Super Scooper" planes to drop water and help extinguish flames. The U.S. Forest Service also said a firefighter suffered from heat-related illness and was taken by a firefighting boat, which has a medic onboard, to a waiting ambulance so they could receive more medical care. As of Sunday, the growing fire's size was mapped at 10,334 acres from 9,563 on Saturday, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions this time of year in the region. A heat advisory remained in effect through 11 p.m. Monday due to temperature highs that would range from 95 degrees to 110 degrees in parts of the Sacramento Valley. The Super Scoopers was expected to draw water from various arms of Lake Shasta, but they need a mile of open space to refill their tanks. Boaters should move toward the shore so as to not impede the firefighting operations and keep air crews safe, the forest service said in a statement. For the first time since lightning sparked the fire on July 1, the forest service reported firefighters built containment lines around 5% of the Green Fire. That's because to the south, the flames reached the Pit River. Watercraft, including the one that carried the ill firefighter to medical treatment, were in that area and secured defense lines along a portion of the river, the forest service said. Those boats were expected to continue suppression efforts along the river. Nearly 1,200 fire personnel are assigned to the fire. In addition to the two airships, nine helicopters, 26 bulldozers, 56 engines, 16 hotshot crews and 10 other crews are fighting the fire. The forest service also has 15 ambulances staged throughout the area to respond to and support firefighters. Note to readers: We've made this story free as an important public service to our North State communities. If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in supporting coverage that matters to you. On the north side of the fire, or the area of Alder Springs, flames backed down toward the burn scar of the Shoe Fire, which burned more than 5,000 acres before it was contained Nov. 9, 2024. On the east side, the fire crossed Flat Creek and to the southwest, the fire moved across the Brock Mountain Road. The forest service said firefighters limited the fire's growth on the east side and secured the remainder of Brock Mountain Road to the north and northwest. An evacuation order was still in place for a swath of land identified as zone LKH-1448-A, north of Kennedy Memorial Road and south of Wheeler Nursery Road, according to zone maps. People evacuating west can go to a collection point at the Gilman Road and Interstate 5 intersection, the county announced. People evacuating east toward Highway 299 can do to a collection point at Halcumb Cemetery, 29943 Highway 299 in Montgomery Creek, according to the county. Zone LKH-1448-B to the north of the Green Fire area was under an evacuation warning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office issued. That area is north of Wheeler Nursery Road. Other people who should be prepared to leave the area in case of a mandatory order were in zones: Zone LKH-1200 to the west of the Green Fire area — from north of Ski Island, south of Dekkas Creek, east of the McCloud River and west of Bully Hill. Zone LKH-1190 to the northwest — from north of Hirz Creek, south of the McCloud Bridge and east of Matquaw Flat. To find your zone, type your address into the search window at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. The forest service also closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. The fire started on July 1 north of the Pit River arm of Lake Shasta, and south of the Chirpchatter Campground, according to the forest service. That area is about 8 miles west of Round Mountain, according to Cal Fire maps. (This story will be updated as new information becomes available.) This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire as it grows north of Redding
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4 days ago
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Green Fire update: Blaze burning 5,914 acres in Shasta-Trinity forest
The Green Fire continued to spread north of Lake Shasta on Friday, with no containment, as temperatures soared and light wind picked up. The wildfire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest grew to 5,914 acres overnight, up from 5,037 acres Thursday afternoon, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The Green Fire remained east of Interstate 5 and 8 miles west of Montgomery Creek in Shasta County. It's burning in an area northeast of Gray Rocks and west of Fenders Ferry Road, firefighters reported. Crews are battling very dry conditions, made worse by a heat wave that began Thursday. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Shasta County and throughout the North State, in effect through 11 p.m. Monday. Afternoon temperatures in the Redding area warm to 110 on Friday, with weekend highs around 108, according to the forecast. People should stay indoors in air conditioning during hottest times of the day to avoid heat-related health issues, public health branches cautioned. When they do go outdoors, people should also avoid breathing Green Fire and other wildfire smoke, Shasta County Public Health announced. Visitors should avoid fire areas and watch for emergency vehicles, Shasta-Trinity National Forest staff cautioned. More: Poor air quality affects you even if you don't smell smoke, California: Air pollution explained The forest service closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. An evacuation warning issued by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, remained in place Friday morning. People in Zone LKH-1448 — between Montgomery Creek and O'Brian/Interstate 5 — should be prepared to evacuate if the county instructs them to do so, the sheriff's office said. That zone is north of Bully Hill; south of Satin Peak and Bagley Mountain; east of Nosoni, Salt Creek and Minnesota Mountains; and west of Kettle Mountain. The fire started on July 1 north of the Pit River arm of Lake Shasta, and south of the Chirpchatter Campground, according to the forest service. That area is about 8 miles west of Round Mountain, according to Cal Fire maps. Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Evacuation orders and warnings are called by zone. To find out your zone, type your address at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica on Record Searchlight Facebook groups Get Out! Nor Cal , Today in Shasta County and Shaping Redding's Future. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Green Fire in Shasta County spreads to 5,914 acres with no containment
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7 days ago
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Green Fire burns 3,272 acres, prompts evacuation warning north of Lake Shasta
The 3,272-acre Green Fire burning north of Lake Shasta prompted an evacuation warning and closures in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest this week. Firefighters are working to stop the Green Fire spread and build containment around two other forest fires — the Horse and Helena fires — as temperatures warm to 107 by Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. That heat will make already dry vegetation and air even drier, and could enable fires to spread quickly, firefighters said. The forest service advised people avoid fire areas and watch for emergency vehicles traveling in the area and parked on the side of roads. They should also avoid breathing wildfire smoke, public health cautioned. The Green Fire grew to 3,272 acres as of Wednesday morning, up from 2,549 acres Thursday night, the forest service reported. At zero containment, it's burning east of Interstate 5 and west of Montgomery Creek and Round Mountain in Shasta County. The fire is growing mostly on its north border east of the Chirpchatter Campground, said Operations Section Chief Gino DeGraffenreid on Wednesday. Crews are working to keep the fire north of the Pit River, east of Didallas Creek and west of the 27 Road between Fender's Ferry Bridge and Goose Gap, the forest service reported. The Green Fire prompted an evacuation warning from the Shasta County Sheriff's Office and campgrounds and trail closures near the fire, northeast of Lake Shasta. People in Zone LKH-1448 — between Montgomery Creek and O'Brian/Interstate 5 — should prepare to evacuate if the county instructs them to do so, the sheriff's office said. That zone is north of Bully Hill; south of Satin Peak and Bagley Mountain; east of Nosoni, Salt Creek and Minnesota Mountains; and west of Kettle Mountain. Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. The fire started on July 1 north of the Pit River arm of Lake Shasta, and south of the Chirpchatter Campground, according to the forest service. That area is about 8 miles west of Round Mountain, according to Cal Fire maps. The 389.5-acre Horse Fire, burning west of Lakehead and Interstate 5 in Shasta County, is 90% contained as of Wednesday, according to the forest service. Crews are working to "keep the fire south of Stacey Creek, west of the Shasta Lake District boundary, north of Wild Cow Mountain Ridge and trail, and east of Clear Creek," the forest service reported this week. They're also monitoring hot spots on the northeast side of the fire, the report said. The Horse Fire started on Wednesday, July 2, near Schell Mountain in an area south of the Clear Creek Campground. The area is about 7 miles west of Sugarloaf, according to Cal Fire maps. Firefighters made progress on the 119.4-acre Helena Fire. The blaze was 80% contained, the forest service reported. Started on July 2, the Helena Fire is burning west of East Fork Road, north of Helena in Trinity County. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta's Green Fire grows as Helena, Horse fire containment improves
