Bass Lake Fire: Hundreds Forced To Evacuate, Ten Homes Destroyed
The Bass Lake fire forced hundreds of residents out of their homes. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed the fire has destroyed 21 structures, including at least 10 homes. Although the fire is approximately 20 percent contained, it has spread to more than 320 acres.
Officials said the fire threatened to destroy nearly 400 homes in the resort town. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
Residents, and their pets, are being sheltered at several evacuation centers. The American Red Cross has opened temporary shelters at the North Fork Town Hall and Oakhurst Community Center. Small pets are welcome at both shelters. However, large animals should be taken to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds.
As reported by The Modesto Bee, The Bass Lake fire started near Courtney Lane at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Strong winds quickly drove the fire uphill toward the shores of Bass Lake. Authorities are in the process of investigating the cause.
Although officials do not anticipate further evacuations, Fire Captain Frank Bigelow Jr. cautions residents and visitors to “stay vigilant and stay aware of what’s going on.”
Authorities confirmed more than 400 firefighters and 15 aircraft were dispatched to fight the Bass Lake fire. Governor Jerry Brown announced that a Federal Emergency Management grant will cover a large portion of the cost.
Extremely dry weather conditions have contributed to numerous wildfires throughout state.
In Southern California, the Silverado Canyon fire forced the evacuation of 200 homes. Although the fire is 50 percent contained, Riverside and Orange counties remain under a smoke advisory.
As reported by ABC News, six firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze. However, a majority of the injuries were related to the heat and were not serious.
In Northern California, firefighters are fighting two wildfires. A fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills destroyed 250 acres, including five structures. The Mendocino County fire reportedly destroyed at least 10 structures. However, it is currently 50 percent contained.
Several regions remain under Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches. The mountains and adjacent foothills of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties, will remain under a Red Flag Warning through Tuesday evening.
As reported by NOAA, high temperatures and low relative humidity have contributed to the “critical fire weather conditions.” As stated in the warning, “if fire ignition occurs… there could be rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat to life and property.”
Although the Bass Lake fire destroyed numerous structures, thankfully nobody was harmed.
[Image via TRBImg]
