Chico Enterprise-Record
LAKE ALMANOR, Calif. — Residents of Canyon Dam, Big Meadows and campers at Rocky Point Campground were advised to voluntarily evacuate the area at 5 p.m. Monday as the Chips Fire moved closer. Residents along Highway 89 in the Almanor area were told to make evacuation plans.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office encouraged people from Canyon Dam north to Lake Almanor West to gather photos, keepsakes and important documents, and make arrangements for pets.
Several strike teams have been called to the area. There are 90 engines assigned to the fire and more than 1,000 personnel.
The fire reached Butt Valley Reservoir Monday, and the lake is considered a containment line, but fire officials are warning of spotting as much as a mile ahead of the fire.
At last report, the fire had reached 35,800 acres, with 12 percent containment.
The fire started about 2 a.m. July 29 in the Chips Creek drainage in the Feather River Canyon, a couple of miles northwest of Belden.
The Humbug Road containment line held Sunday. A secondary fire line north of the road was being improved Monday, as well as one along Highway 89 to protect communities along the western shore of Lake Almanor.
Office of Emergency Service’s engine strike teams are working in the west Almanor area to assist residents with making their homes defensible should spot fires occur in the lakeshore area. Smoke continues to pose health concerns for residents.
Rush Creek and Seneca are still under mandatory evacuation, as is Caribou Road from Highway 70 to the reservoir.
Secondary roads north of Highway 70 between Rock Creek Dam and Twain from Highway 70 are open to residents but not the public.
Butt Lake Dam, Ohio Valley Road, Butt Lake Road, Humbug/Humboldt Road, Yellow Creek area, and all secondary roads west of Highway 89 between Canyon Dam and Humbug/Humboldt Road from Highway 89 are closed. Campgrounds and trails in the area are still closed.
Copyright 2012 MediaNews Group, Inc. and ANG Newspapers
All Rights Reserved