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Helena Fire: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 40°46′44″N 123°06′07″W / 40.779°N 123.102°W / 40.779; -123.102
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Revision as of 00:33, 5 September 2017

Helena Fire
Date(s)August 30, 2017 (2017-08-30) ()
StandortHelena, California, United States
Coordinates40°46′44″N 123°06′07″W / 40.779°N 123.102°W / 40.779; -123.102
Statistics[1]
Burned area8,940 acres (36 km2)
Impacts
Structures destroyed123
Ignition
CauseUnder investigation
Map
Helena Fire is located in Northern California
Helena Fire
Location of fire in California.

The Helena Fire is a wildfire currently burning in near the town of Helena, Trinity County, California in the United States. As of September 4, 2017, the fire had destroyed 8,940 acres (36 km2) and 72 homes. It is currently 14% contained and is estimated to be completely contained by October 1, 2017.[1]

Events

The Helena Fire was first reported on August 30, 2017, at 5:15 pm near the town of Helena, California, along California State Route 299. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. It is being fueled by brush, timber and hardwood litter, with excessive heat helping to strengthen the fire.[1]

On September 3, the fire was reported to be growing to the northeast and southwest, threatening infrastructure in Junction City, California. Crews constructed firelines from Junction City to Glennison Gap. The fire had expanded to Brock Gulch and along Brock Road. It had also expanded into the Trinity Alps Wilderness.[1]

As of September 4, the fire was burning along California State Route 299 and on both sides of the Trinity River. The fire had destroyed 72 homes and 61 outbuildings, damaging four buildings and four outbuildings. The Helena Fire has burned 8,940 acres (36 km2). It is currently at 14% containment with an estimated containment date of October 1, 2017. The fire is being fought by the California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 along with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.[1]

Evacuations and closures

Evacuations are in place for residents between Helena and Oregon Mountain Summit, including Canyon Creek. An evacuation center has been created at the First Baptist Church in Weaverville, California. Animals are being evacuated to the Trinity County Animal Shelter and Trinity High School.[1]

California State Route 299 is closed from Helena Bridge to Sky Ranch Road with intermittent access being provided daily at select times.[1][2] Dutch Creek Road at Red Hill Road is also closed. The fire has also impacted recreation areas, with Canyon Creek and Hobo Gulch Trailheads being closed due to road closures.[1]

Trinity Alps Unified School District, Douglas City Elementary School District, and Klamath Trinity Joint Unified School District canceled school on September 5 due to unhealthy air conditions.[3]

Impact

The smoke from the Helena Fire has settled over Sacramento, California, creating unhealthy breathing conditions.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Helena Fire". Helena Fire. United States Forest Service. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
  2. ^ Burns, Ryan. "If You're Hoping to Cross Over Hwy. 299 Tuesday, Here Are Your Limited Options". Lost Coast Outpost. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  3. ^ Kemp, Kym. "Schools Closed Due to Smoke or Wildfires". Redheaded Blackbelt. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  4. ^ Sabalow, Ryan; Miller, Jim. "Fires, smoke ravage Golden State from L.A. to Oregon border". sacbee. Retrieved 5 September 2017.