Updated Saturday, 11:06a.m.
Eiler Fire Closes Highway 89; Day, Bald Fires Increase in Size
A lightning-caused fire in the Lassen National Forest’s Thousand Lakes Wilderness forced the closure of California State Highway 89 and evacuation of homes late yesterday, as firefighters continued to battle large fires in northeast California.
The Eiler Fire was reported at 6,932 acres late last night. It burned across Highway 89 in the Hat Creek Area and is now burning in heavy timber on both sides of the highway. Structures were burned in the Honn Campground area, but there is no confirmation yet on types or numbers of structures. No injuries were reported.
The Thousand Lakes Wilderness and the Honn, Bridge and Rocky campgrounds along Highway 89 in the fire area are closed. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Highway 44 to Highway 299. Highway 89 is also closed from the junction with Highway 44 in Old Station north to the junction with Highway 299. Highway closure information is available from the California Department of Transportation at (800) 427-7623.
The Bald Fire, also on the Lassen National Forest, grew to 17,977 acres yesterday and forced evacuation of homes in the Little Valley area of northwest Lassen County. There have been no structures damaged or destroyed. The fire is burning in heavy brush and scattered timber.
Evacuation Centers have been established at Fall River High School in McArthur and at Black Butte School near Shingletown.
Current fire information for the Eiler and Bald fires is available at (530) 336-6553.
The Day Fire, near the community of Day northeast of Fall River Mills, is now 12,500 acres and is five percent contained. A mandatory evacuation is in place for homes in the Lookout Ranchettes. An evacuation center is established at the Adin Community Center on Main Street in Adin.
Evacuation information is available from the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 233-5342. Fire information for the Day Fire is available at (530) 638-3614.
All of the fires were started by thunderstorms on July 30 and 31. Numerous smaller fires have been contained.
Fire information is available at (530) 252-6450 and online at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov (Bald) and www.cdfdata.fire.ca.gov (Day).
