The Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation has lost 1,500 acres to the Mill Creek 1 fire as of Aug. 20.
According to KRCR the fire is only five percent contained. The Mill Creek 1 fire started on Aug. 16 close to Hoopa and are reported to be caused by arson.
The Mill Creek is one of many fires that have raged up and down California in the last two months. Fires across the state are burning as far away as Orange county and as close as Shasta and Trinity county.
The Carr fire in Trinity and Shasta county started July 23, at 1:15 p.m. and is still burning as of Aug. 20.
According to Cal Fire a mechanical failure of an automobile caused the fire. The incident happened around state Route 299 and Carr Powerhouse Road. The Carr fire has burned 229,651 acres of land. As of Aug. 20, it is now 88 percent contained.
At least six have died, including three firefighters. Many buildings have been destroyed including “1,079 residences, 22 commercial structures, 503 outbuildings destroyed – 190 residences, 26 commercial structures, and 63 outbuildings damaged.”
Cal Fire authorities describe the condition of affected areas to have heavy smoke that helped decrease fire activity.
“Fire spread remains fuels and topography driven with high potential for roll out and spot fires,” authorities said. “Heavy timber fuels still challenge firefighting efforts.”
The fire is still actively burning within its containment lines. State Route 299 is accessible by the public as there are still emergency crews working in the affected areas.
Cal Fire recommends people to practice vehicle safety in order to prevent wildfires. Some safety rules they suggest for motorists is to follow is “secure (chains, no dragging parts, check tire pressure, carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle, and properly maintain brakes.” By following these guidelines nearly all vehicle related fires can be prevented.
For more information on how to prevent wildfire visit, http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Vehicle-Use/
