UPDATED 8:03a.m.
As of 8:00 this morning the NorCal 1 Interagency Incident Management Team is reporting the Whaleback Fire at 14,098 acres with 20% containment.
Portions of County Roads A-1, 21 and 231 are still closed in the vicinity of the fire.
Evacuations and Closures:Â Spalding Tract is evacuated. Â Christie Campground and day use area, Merrill Campground, West Eagle Campground, Eagle Campground, Aspen Grove Campground, Gallatin Marina and Beach and Camp Ronald McDonald are closed to public use. Lake users should be aware that there are helicopters dipping water out of Eagle Lake.
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Good morning, here is an update on the 9,300 acre Whaleback Fire burning near Eagle Lake. The fire has forced evacuations of more than 1,000 people from around the lake and is currently only 6% contained. Full containment is not expected until Wednesday, August 8th.
There are currently 448 people working to suppress the blaze which is burning in timber and brush.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the community of Spalding, the Gallatin Marina, Ronald McDonald House and the Merrill, Christie, Eagle and Aspen campgrounds.
Firefighters have had to deal with active, group torching and short-range spotting fire behavior on the Whaleback.
Today firefighters will continue identifying containment lines, continue constructing indirect and direct fire lines and continue providing structure protection for the community of Spalding and developed recreation areas.
Today, in the afternoon after inversion over the fire lifts, the west flank of the fire should continue spreading up to 1/2 mile west-north-west influenced by dry weather, topography, and dry forest fuels according to the update from Lassen National Forest.
Fire could also spread south-west upslope towards Antelope Mountain up to 1/4 mile and continue burning east towards Eagle Lake. Unburned fuels between the main fire and the backline protecting Spalding could continue to burn and fill in. Minimal fire spread expected along the north-eastern flank.
Late yesterday afternoon the fire spread into Cal-Fire Direct Protection, Norcal 1 Type 2 Incident Management Team (Coots) and CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc Unit agreed to manage the fire under unified command.
Some Lassen Municipal Utility District customers at the lake are still without power. There is no estimated time for restoration.
County Road A1 is closed from the Gallatin Road to Spalding Tract.
EVACUATIONS
Lassen County’s Health and Social Services Department opened a shelter for evacuees of the Whaleback Fire at Assembly of God Church, 473-465 Richmond Road, Susanville, California 96130. Those affected by the fire can reach the shelter at (530) 310-2783.
It is asked for anyone going to the shelter to bring their medication and medical equipment (walkers, breathing machines, etc.), clothing for three days, and important papers such as insurance cards.
In addition, the shelter is not providing medical care. Any caretakers must accompany you for the duration of your stay.
Please keep in mind weapons, drugs, alcohol and personal bedding are not permitted at the shelter.
