California Continues To Burn

By Bill Johnson Published Jul 4, 2008 10:00 am Updated Jan 31, 2009 01:38 pm

Sacramento, CA — Thanks to those June 21 lightning strikes 520,831 acres have burned in California according to CAL Fire officials.

Overall there have been 1,781 fires with more than 400 fires still being fought by crews around the northern portion of the state.

19,925 personnel have been committed to these fires. Total resources include 631 crews, 1,570 engines, 417 water tenders, 327 dozers, 109 helicopters and numerous air tankers.

State highways and local roads are closed throughout the state due to the wildfire activities. Closures and delays are in place for Hwy 1 (Big Sur area) along with Highways 32 and 70 respectively. Numerous county and local roads are closed as well.

Areas of Monterey, Santa Barbara and Shasta counties are under evacuation orders at this time. Precautionary evacuation orders are in place for areas in Butte, Kern, Mendocino, Monterey and Plumas counties.

To date 34 residences, one commercial building and 32 outbuildings have been destroyed.

Written by Bill Johnson