The Shoe Fire has burned around 5,145 acres, now with 29% containment. It started October 9th 12 miles southwest of Big Bend. Strong winds and dropping humidity have caused the fire to expand into areas of Beartrap Creek and Sulanharas Creek that are inaccessible to ground crews, so helicopters are being used extensively, and a mobile retardant station has been set up in the Montgomery Creek area. Many of these steep rugged slopes have no recent fire history and have become overgrown with dense brush and timber that continues to dry out from late season north winds. Fouled air continues to plague Redding and surrounding areas, with some air quality monitors showing conditions to be hazardous. Details on evacuations are at protect.genasys.com. The Forest Service says the fire was human caused. There are around 1,570 personnel fighting the fire.
-Steve Gibson