[pct-l] update: Chips Fire explodes

[Clifford McDonald]

http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_21208892/plumas-national-forest-fires-stil
l-active

 

4:40 p.m. update: Chips Fire explodes, officials expect Highway 70 closure

Staff Reportsorovillemr.com

Posted:   08/01/2012 09:27:50 AM PDT

 

 

BELDEN - The Chips Fire burning in the Plumas National Forest "exploded"
today, heading south to Highway 70, which officials expect to close at some
point. 

The fire crossed Indian Creek and has charred more than 1,000 acres a couple
of miles northeast of Belden, said Lee Anne Schramel Taylor of the U.S.
Forest Service. 

 

A landslide near the fire closed one of Highway 70's lanes, Schramel Taylor
said. Caltrans is working on moving the boulders. 

 

Both she and California Highway Patrol Officer James Stowe said Highway 70
will likely close soon due to the fire. 

 

"Everything is kind of spiraling out of control down there," Stowe said. 

 

The flames made "significant moves to the northeast" today and moved south
to the highway. 

 

More fire crews have been arriving today to add to the 340 people already
fighting the flames, Schramel Taylor said. Containment dropped from 20
percent to 10 percent, and isn't expected to be fully contained until Aug.
10. 

 

"It's been going nuts today," she said. 

 

The fire is putting out a lot of smoke, and is visible from Chico, as well
as Butt Lake and Lake Almanor basins. There is smoke in Paradise and eastern
Butte County, but Butte County Air Quality Management District officials say
unhealthy thresholds have not been exceeded yet. 

 

The smoke plume blows west toward Paradise in the morning, then turns back
east in the afternoon, according to BCAQMD. 

 

Firefighting challenges include burning debris rolling downhill. The area is
rugged and only assessable by foot or air. The fire was discovered about 2
a.m. Sunday about one mile above the highway in Chips Creek drainage. When
firefighters arrived, flames were burning on both sides of the Pacific Crest
Trail. It has been determined to be human-caused. An estimated cost to fight
has not been released. 

 

Travelers should check with Caltrans at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD
regarding road closures. 

 

Firefighters are still protecting structures at Maggie's Trailer Park. 

 

Caribou Road has been closed from Highway 70 to Butt Lake Dam, as have the
three campgrounds along it. The area has been ordered evacuated. 

 

There's also a "soft closure" of Seneca/Dixie Valley Road from Highway 89 to
Butt Lake, meaning only residents will be allowed in. A voluntary evacuation
of the Butt Lake area has also been issued. 

 

Ben Lomond and Indian Creek trails are still closed, as is the Pacific Crest
Trail between Highway 70 and Highway 36. 

 

Meanwhile the Peak Fire, seven miles north of Portola near Lake Davis, is
considered 90 percent contained, with the acreage burned held to about 780
acres. But it has cost an estimated $1.2 million to fight. 

 

Fire crews are performing mop up activities today, according to the Plumas
National Forest. 

 

Crews worked on the fire last night securing the northwest side, according
to a forest press release. 

 

Crews continue to remain vigilant for additional fire movement that may
develop during the day and night shifts. About 568 personnel are on site, as
well as four dozers, 20 engines, five water tenders and five helicopters. 

 

Conklin Park Campground is still closed. All roads are open, however there
is heavy fire traffic on Forest Roads 26N70 and 28N01.