THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: According to CAL FIRE, the two-fire China Fire wildland blaze in the Happy Valley area continues today at a total of 150 acres. It is about 60 percent contained.
As of 11:30 a.m., CAL FIRE reports that the fire has destroyed two structures and one outbuilding and damaged two structures. There are two reported heat-related injuries of firefighters, both treated and released. Three fire crews comprised of approximately 120 firefighters continued overnight to aggressively fight the fire.
The fire crews – with the help of two helicopters, 20 fire engines/truck companies, one bulldozer and five water tenders – made great progress last night. Even so, fire crews are concerned about today’s weather forecast, which continues to be hot and dry with very low nighttime moisture recovery.
Today firefighters will strive to gain containment and re- evaluate road closures and evacuations. Damage assessment is ongoing. CAL FIRE encourages the public to be cautious of fire equipment and personnel when driving in the area.
The wildland fire remains under investigation, and damage assessment is ongoing.
Evacuations: Treat Avenue, Fuzzy Lane and Flower Lane, along with roads between Treat Avenue and Flower Lane, and all roads west of Happy Valley Road.
Road closures: Happy Valley Road at Canyon Road and Olinda Road at Happy Valley Road.
WEDNESDAY P.M. UPDATE: 2 fires burning, for a total of 150 acres. Fifty percent contained.
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China Fire evacuations are in place at China Gulch Road in Happy Valley in South Redding including the Redding Rancheria, WinRiver Casino, Treat Avenue, Fuzzy Lane and Flower Lane.
Evacuations include all roads between Treat Avenue and Flower Lane, all roads West of Happy Valley Road and the WinRiver Casino.
China Gulch fire photo by Emma Fisher.
The fire, that originally began at about 5:55 p.m. as two brush fires, has reached Clear Creek Road. Road closures, as reported by Calfire, include Happy Valley Road at Canyon Road, Canyon Road at Highway 273, and Olinda Road at Happy Valley Road.
China Gulch Fire photo taken by Emma Fisher off Highway 273 in Redding.
A Red Cross shelter has been opened at Anderson High School.
