The wildfires raging near the border of Lake and Colusa Counties continue to blaze, with the Ridge Fire now threatening approximately 50 structures as per Cal Fire's latest update. While firefighters rally to contain the flames, residents of the affected areas face mandatory evacuation orders. As of early this morning, Cal Fire has reported that the fire has engulfed some 2,500 acres and is 15% contained, up from 10% containment the previous night, KCRA has reported.
The blaze was initially sparked around 4:30 p.m. near Walker Ridge Road and Highway 20, with strong winds fueling its rapid spread. At present, 30 structures in Lake County, and 20 in Colusa County are at risk, according to Cal Fire statements. Evacuations, have been issued for regions including Wilbur Hot Springs and the intersection of Bear Valley and Leesville to Highway 20 in Colusa County, with further orders for Lake County also in place. Details about the evacuation zones can be found on the provided map by KCRA.
Cal Fire's crews, both from the ground and the air, are striving to curtail the Ridge Fire as it moves northeast towards Bear Valley Road. The goal is to halt its advance and maintain the line west of this critical juncture. Despite the demanding efforts of these crews, the fire had encompassed nearly 2,304 acres as of Saturday evening, as per ABC10's coverage. Traffic has also been heavily impacted with the closure of Highway 20 at key intersections, causing disruption and a reevaluation of the surrounding area's readiness for such calamities.
Authorities encourage residents in wildfire-prone areas to maintain defensible space around their homes, which involves the removal of vegetation and other flammable debris to create a safety buffer. For families still within the vicinity, preparing an emergency kit with essentials, including N95 masks and vital documents, is advised. Additionally, residents can sign up for Nixle alerts for the latest on severe weather, and wildfires, by visiting www.nixle.com or texting their zip code to 888777, to remain informed during the ongoing fire crisis.
