UPDATE 10:51a.m.
Spalding Residents May Visit Their Homes This Afternoon
Spalding residents who were evacuated due to the Whaleback Fire, will be allowed to return to their homes briefly this afternoon (Sunday July 29) between 1 and 3 pm to pick up necessary items and to prepare their homes for multi-day power outage.
Residents must have ID and sign in at a checkpoint before entering the area.  They must leave the area by 3pm.
Access to Spalding will be north on Highway 139 to Eagle Lake Road.
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Good morning everybody, here is your Sunday update on the Whaleback fire burning near the community of Spalding at Eagle Lake.
The fire is currently mapped at 8,971 acres and is only 6% contained. Full containment, according to the fire management team’s estimate is not expected until Wednesday, August 8th.
There are currently 394 personnel working the fire which 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.
Firefighters, according to the morning report, have observed active flanking fire behavior. Today they 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.
Expected Fire Behavior
Over the next twelve hours the south flank of the fire should continue spreading up to two miles south-east influenced by dry weather, topography, and dry forest fuels. Fire should also spread south-west upslope towards Antelope Mountain up to one mile. Fire should continue burning east towards Eagle Lake.
Lassen National Forest transfered command to Norcal 1 Type 2 Incident Management Team, led by Curtis Coots, this morning at 6:00. Norcal 1 Type 2 Incident Management Team is in Unified Command with the Cal Fire Lassen Modoc Unit.
Weather Concerns
Hot and dry conditions are forecasted into next week with potential for critical fire weather. Poor humidity recovery will occur over the mid slopes and ridges for the next few nights as a dry slot moves into the region.
Public Meeting at Jensen Hall
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.
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 had been evacuated from around the lake.
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.
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