Reduced Wind Aids Battle Against Nine Nor Cal Fires
Nine fires that have collectively burned more than 400,000 acres may get an assist from Mother Nature as winds have begun to die down. More than 8,000 firefighters have been on the lines battling the blazes.
The largest of the fires in terms of area is the Rush Fire, located on BLM land straddling the California-Nevada border near Ravendale. The blaze, active since Aug. 12, has consumed more than 300,000 acres over 42 square miles.
The year's most destructive fire to date in terms of property loss was still uncontained as of Friday morning, threatening nearly 1,000 homes and prompting expanded evacuation orders and a state-of-emergency declaration.
The 28,000 acre Ponderosa Fire near the Northern California city of Manton has destroyed 84 structures to date -- the most of any fire in California so far this year. The blaze was 57% contained as of 9:00am Thursday.
In addition to the structures destroyed, at least 900 homes are still threatened, as well as dozens more commercial structures and out buildings. Evacuation orders remain in place for the communities of Manton, Shingletown, Viola & Mineral, with warnings issued for surrounding areas.
Governor Jerry Brown has declared a State of Emergency for Shasta and Tehama Counties.
Firefighters may get relief in battle against Northern California blazes -- Sacbee.com
