The Chips Fire, burning between Highway 70 and Lake Almanor in Plumas County for more than 2 weeks now, is just 20% contained. It's now 42,215 acres in size. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Seneca, Rush Creek and Ohio Valley. Voluntary evacuations remain in place for Canyon Dam, Big Meadow and Rocky Point. About 11,000 residents lost power in Plumas County because of heavy smoke Wednesday afternoon, but power has since been restored.
The Reading Fire in the Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park has grown to 25,242 acres, and is now 25% contained. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped firefighters launch a more direct attack, establishing stronger containment lines. The Lassen Volcanic National Parkway is closed from Manzanita Lake to Summit Lake.
The Mill Fire, burning in the Mill Creek Drainage area northeast of Highway 32 in Tehama County, has charred 1,025 acres and is 15% contained. Aircraft are helping when available, but a Cal Fire helicopter had its rotor damaged Wednesday morning. Fortunately, it landed safely and was able to return to its base after inspection. Officials say manpower is stretched pretty thin right now. High temperatures, northeastern winds, and steep terrain are also slowing containment. The Mill Fire is not posing a direct threat to any structures or communities. The cause has not been determined.
The Wye Fire, straddling the Lake and Colusa county line, is now 80% contained. It is 7,934 acres in size, burning near Highway 20 east of Clearlake Oaks. Evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday morning. The fire has burned 2 homes and 1 outbuilding, and damaged 2 others.
