Conditions, Containment Improve in Nor Cal Blazes
Upwards of 4,000 local, state and federal firefighters are battling dangerous Northern California wildland fires burning through three counties. So far, the blazes have consumed nearly 40,000 acres and displaced hundreds.
The two most significant fires to date:
Robbers Fire: Placer Co. blaze threatens residents near the town of Foresthill. The fire has doubled in size since Friday, growing to over 2,400 acres. Containment has improved to 30%, but the blaze still threatens hundreds of homes in rural Placer County. One residence and four exterior structures have been destroyed. Partial evacuations remain in effect. More than 2,000 personnel have been dispatched so far, with more mutual aid resources arriving every day. A CAL FIRE Incident Command Team is coordinating the attack.
On Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered additional statewide resources, including five specially equipped National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and trained guard personnel, as well as emergency management and mutual aid resources available through the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA).
Mill Fire: A 30,000 acre blaze centered in northwestern Colusa Co. straddling USFS and CAL FIRE coverage in and around the Mendocino National Forest. Blaze was nearly 70% contained as of Sunday evening. No homes immediately in danger. A unified incident command has been established. More than 1,600 firefighters on scene.
All together, 23 mutual aid strike teams have been deployed to the affected areas. Total mutual aid resources include 150 engines and nearly 500 firefighters.
So far, no injuries or deaths in any of the fires.
National predictive models predict an above average fire risk for several areas of Northern California in 2012.
