Chips fire burning across Eagle Peak Credit: Rich Szlauko
PLUMAS COUNTY, CA - Drivers were warned there may be road restrictions on Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon area Saturday as the 13-day-old Chips Fire continues to burn in Plumas National Forest.
The fire has scorched 30,000 acres and has reached 8 percent containment since the fire has spread, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Crews are working hard to control active flames on the northeast side; the blaze is burning in very steep and rugged terrain.
Federal fire officials said 965 firefighters have been assigned to the fire.
Fifty-five homes remain threatened as Rush Creek and Seneca have been evacuated.
Plumas County Assistant Sheriff Gerry Hendrick said the following evacuations have been put into place:
- Hwy 70 at Caribou Road to the Butt Lake Dam
- Rush Creek Road and Seneca Road
- Butt Lake Area, Ohio Valley, Humbug and Humbolt Area, and Yellow Creek Area
- Hwy 70 from Tobin to Twain.
Road closures have been issued as well in the following areas:
-
Highway 70 at Caribou Road - Hwy 70 to Butt Lake Dam
-
Highway 70 at Rush Creek
-
Highway 70 on all additional secondary roads North of Highway 70 between Rock Creek Dam and Twain.
-
Highway 89 at Seneca Road
-
Highway 89 Butt Lake Dam, Ohio Valley Road, Butt Lake Road, Humbug/Humbolt Road and all additional secondary roads South of Highway 89 between Canyon Dam and the Humbug/Humbolt Road
The service said there may be more evacuations as the fire spreads. Travelers should check Highway 70 conditions regularly (800-427-ROAD or www.dot.ca.gov and expect delays.
News10/KXTV