California Wildfires Destroy More Than 50 Homes, Buildings

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The Pawnee Fire in Lake and Colusa counties continues to rage, at last count charring 13,500 acres and destroying 22 homes and other structures. But with more than 2,700 firefighters now assigned to the wildfire, containment had grown to 25 percent early Wednesday. Some 600 structures are still threatened by the massive wildfire that is burning "very actively," fueled by low relative humidity, erratic winds and above normal temperatures. Heat and heavy fuels continue to hamper crews constructing the direct line, according to Cal Fire's incident management team from the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.

Mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for the entire community of Spring Valley north of Clearlake Oaks. An evacuation warning has also gone out to residents of parts of Colusa County, advising them to "be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice."

Road closures remained in effect Wednesday for New Long Valley Road at state Highway 20; Old Long Valley Road at Highway 20; Walker Ridge at Highway 20; Mule Skinner Road at Highway 20; Bear Valley Road at Highway 20; Bear Valley Road at Brim Road; and Leesville Lodge Road at Brim Road.

Meanwhile, firefighters were gaining the upper hand on fires that also broke out over the weekend in neighboring counties amid a red flag warning for the region.

The Creek Fire in Shasta County destroyed 11 structures including four homes. It was 65 percent contained at 1,475 acres Wednesday.

The Lane Fire in Tehama County was 65 percent contained at 3,829 acres. With more than 1,000 firefighters assigned to the blaze, officials were lifting evacuation orders. Officials say one firefighter was injured at the wildfire.

Also in Tehama County, the Stoll Fire, which erupted Saturday and destroyed four homes, 10 commercial buildings and 10 other structures, was 90 percent contained at 268 acres.

The Flat Fire in Tuolumne County was 163 acres and 93 percent contained Wednesday morning.

ALSO SEE:

• Lake Co. Pawnee Fire Burns 11,500 Acres, Destroys 22 Structures
• Shippee Fire: Durham Fire Now 100% Contained
• PHOTOS: 20,160 Acres Burned In Northern California Wildfires

Lead image: Screengrab from @Cal Fire_PIO video