Just as the explosive fire in Butte County, the Thompson Fire, reaches 98% containment as of Monday, July 8th, after exponential growth over the 4th of July holiday, scorching thousands of acres near Oroville, new fires began to take off under record-breaking temperatures.
Two new starts happened nearly hours apart Sunday evening in the Modoc National Forest and Tahoe National Forest.
The North Fire began around 7 p.m. Sunday and was initially reported at 1000 acres near the town of Likely. As of the latest reports, the fire has topped 4,000 acres. The rate of spread prompted the Modoc County Sheriff’s office to issue evacuation orders for those living in and around Wormville and east of the West Valley Cutoff. Campers at Mill Creek Falls and east of Mill Creek area in the national forest have also been ordered to go.
The Royal Fire began around 6 p.m. Sunday, July 7th, on the Upper Tahoe National Forest in the Royal Gorge Area, just 12 miles SW of Truckee. The fire quickly engulfed 50 acres, reportedly caused by an escaped campfire found by hikers. Recreation areas near the fire were given evacuation orders. CalFire is managing the fire with air and ground resources. CalFire NEU reports as of 8 a.m Monday July 8th, the fire has reached 168 acres with zero containment.
Meanwhile, in Siskiyou County, firefighters spent Sunday battling the rapidly growing Shelly Fire, which grew nearly 1,000 acres in 24 hours, last reported at over 2400 acres. Heading into Sunday evening, firefighters were challenged by spot fires reportedly forming a mile in advance of the fire’s head.
Sierra Daily News will continue to provide updates on these regional fires, including any smoke impacts to the area.
