17 August 2023
Because of lightning-sparked wildfires, evacuations have been ordered in several Northern California communities. The status as of Thursday, Aug. 17:
1/ Del Norte County. Ten fires in the Smith River Complex remain active and have burned more than 1,500 acres. Evacuations were ordered for residents in the areas of Patrick Creek, Little Jones Creek, Copper Creek drainage and Coon Creek. A 20-mile stretch of Highway 199 east of Gasquet is closed. A shelter has been opened at the county fairgrounds, in Crescent City. More information: sheriff’s Facebook.
2/ Siskiyou County. The Head Fire, at more than 3,500 acres, is the largest of 20 lightning-sparked fires in the Klamath National Forest. Evacuations have been ordered for a 335-square-mile area west of Yreka (more detailed map and resources here). More information: sheriff’s Facebook.
3/ Trinity County. The Deep Fire has burned more than 1,500 acres in the Trinity Alps Wilderness area, and evacuation orders have been in place since Wednesday afternoon (detailed map here). More information: sheriff’s Facebook.
4/ Nevada County. The Highway Fire was reported Wednesday south of the community of Washington; it’s not known whether it was started by lightning. Detailed evacuation map here, plus more information at sheriff’s Facebook.