07/29/18 9:30a.m.
Cal-Fire has announced that there will be a public meeting regarding the Whaleback Fire this afternoon, July 29th, at 4:00p.m.
The meeting will be held at the Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville, in Jensen Hall.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide updated information about the fire and answer questions.
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8:30p.m. Good evening everybody, here is the latest information on the Whaleback fire burning near Eagle Lake.
The fire, which is burning near the community of Spalding, has grown to more than 8,000 acres and as of 8:00p.m. is only 5% contained. It is burning in timber, brush and tall grass.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the community of Spalding, the Gallatin Marina, Ronald McDonald House and the Merrill, Christie, Eagle and Aspen campgrounds.
According to Lassen National Forest a full suppression strategy is in place to protect the community of Spalding and campgrounds.
A federal incident management team takes over the fire at 6:00a.m., Sunday, July 29th.
Lassen Municipal Utility District has announced that as of this evening some customers at the lake are without power. There is no estimated time for restoration.
As of Saturday evening 400 homes and 1,000 people have been evacuated from around the lake.
Firefighters have observed extreme fire behavior.
County Road A1 is closed from the Gallatin Road to Spalding Tract.
“Once conditions are safe,” according to Fire Public Information Officer Leah Sandberg, “a helicopter will fly the perimeter of the fire to gain a more accurate idea of acreage.”
The fire is currently burning in a north and south direction. Evacuation orders are still in place. They will be lifted once the danger is mitigated and it is safe to do so.
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.
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This story supersedes our earlier coverage (http://www.susanvillestuff.com/saturday-a-m-update-whaleback-fire-prompts-evacuations-of-spalding-tract-and-eagle-lake-campgrounds/) of the fire.
This is continuing coverage of a breaking news event. This post will be updated.
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