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Woolsey Fire - photo California Department of Public Health

Wildfires Continue To Devastate California Communities

CALIFORNIA – The deadliest fire in the state’s history continues its path of destruction through Butte County in northern California as the death toll rises to 48 in the Camp Fire.

Meanwhile, firefighters continue their battle against the Hill and Woolsey Fires on the southern end of the state.

There are currently more than 9,300 firefighters assigned to these three incidents, covering 1,179 fire engines, 121 dozers, 161 hand crews, 123 water tenders, 45 helicopters and numerous firefighting air tankers from across the state, along with numerous out-of-state resources.

These wind-driven fires have burned more than 237,151 acres and destroyed thousands of structures.

Currently, two strike teams of Type 3 engines from the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit are fighting fires off the unit, along with one team of Type 1 engines plus ground crews and dozers.

Extremely dry conditions and dangerous fire weather will continue to challenge crews into the weekend.

In the Northern Region, other than occasional breezy conditions, winds are forcast to be lighter through the rest of this week. However, conditions will remain very dry with above normal temperatures, so elevated fire weather conditions will persist through the week. Widespread poor air quality due to smoke will likely continue.

In the Southern Region, strong Santa Ana winds will continue today with sustained winds at 20-35 mph with gusts 45-55 mph expected. Higher gusts are possible in the mountains and other prone locations.

Relative humidity will remain low with extremely dry conditions ranging from 3-10 percent, with poor overnight recoveries. Critical fire weather conditions will persist today. After winds decrease later this afternoon, elevated fire weather will linger throughout the week.

With these current extreme fire conditions throughout the state, Cal Fire warns everyone, “Don’t wait to evacuate! You should already be PREPARED and GO! early. If you see fire approaching, don’t wait to be told to leave.”

To learn more on preparing to evacuate, click here.

Click on the links below for detailed information on each of these fires.

Current fire information:

Camp Fire, Butte County (more info…)
Paradise, Pulga, Concow and Magalia

  • 135,000 acres, 35% contained
  • Evacuations and road closures remain in effect
  • There are currently 5,615 personnel assigned to the incident including 630 engines, 99 crews, 23 helicopters, 105 dozers and 74 water tenders.
  • Estimated 6,867 structures destroyed. Most destructive and deadliest fire in California recorded history
  • Cal Fire Incident Management Team 4 (Derum) assigned
  • For a map of the Camp Fire evacuation zone, click here.

Hill Fire, Ventura County (more info…)
Santa Rosa Valley

  • 4,531 acres, 94% contained, expected containment date is Nov. 15
  • Cal Fire Incident Management Team 5 (Parkes) assigned. IMT#5 managing both Hill and Woolsey fires
  • Two structures have been damaged and two destroyed

Woolsey Fire, Ventura County (more info…)
South of Simi Valley

  • 97,620 acres, 47% contained
  • Evacuations and road closures remain in effect
  • Cal Fire Incident Management Team 5 (Parkes) assigned. IMT#5 managing both Hill and Woolsey fires
  • Click here for the evacuation map of the Woolsey Fire
  • 483 structures have been destroyed, 86 damaged, 57,000 are currently threatened
  • There are currently 3,685 personnel assigned to the incident including 544 engines, 62 crews, 22 helicopters, 16 dozers and 46 water tenders
  • There have been 3 firefighter injuries and 2 civilian fatalities

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