The Park Fire has burned more than 393,000 acres with 18% containment. A local emergency declared for Shasta County by Sheriff Michael Johnson on Tuesday was ratified by the Board of Supervisors. The Park Fire has not spread into Shasta County but it’s impacting infrastructure and has forced the evacuation of nearly 4,300 Shasta County residents. Forest Service and Cal-Fire crews have been building containment lines and contingency lines directly next to the advancing northeast edge of the fire. Burning still remains very active in the Mill Creek and Antelope Creek Drainages, and in multiple areas around the perimeter. With increasing temperatures and lower humidity the fire will flare up and smoke will concentrate more intensively. A chance of thunderstorms and the winds that accompany them will cause erratic spread of the fire area. Difficulties in fighting the Park Fire include steep rugged terrain and many areas that are virtually inaccessible. At least 480 structures have been confirmed destroyed as damage assessment teams have completed 75% of their surveys so far continues. Still no fatalities or injuries have been reported. There are nearly 6,000 personnel working on the Park Fire and a huge fleet of equipment.
-Steve Gibson