A fire burning in Salinas, California, dubbed the "River Fire," has blazed across 2,800 acres and is currently 10% contained.
The fire started early Sunday morning by lightning, according to Cal Fire, and has caused four firefighters to suffer from heat-related injuries.
#RiverFire off Pine Canyon and River Rd, east of Salinas in Monterey county is 2800 acres and 10% contained. Unified command: @CALFIREBEU and @mcrfdhttps://t.co/hF6JetDHBk pic.twitter.com/V69NETcXs8
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE)
August 17, 2020 So far, 1,500 structures are threatened, and five structures had been damaged.
#RiverFire Pictures from yesterday and last night. We have evacuated and are safe. Salinas - Monterey County.This morning’s report from @ksbw 6:30am 8/17/20 the fire is at 2800 acres and 10% contained. pic.twitter.com/TdG1XdS14M
— SunriseMvmtSalinas -- (@MvmtSalinas)
August 17, 2020 Evacuations List:
- Mandatory evacuations were issued for Pine Canyon Road, Parker Road, Laurel Lane and Trimble Hill Lane.
- An evacuation advisory remains for Mt. Toro Access Road and San Benancio Road from Troy Lane to Corral de Tierra and Indian Springs. A new set of advisories was issued for Las Palmas 2 and Indian Springs Road.
- An evacuation center was set up at Buena Vista Middle School to provide water, snacks and a cool place for evacuees to regroup, but as of 10 p.m., it was closed.
Road Closures:
According to Caltrans, Highway 101 and Highway 68 remain open in the area but they advise drivers to use caution due to a change in traffic and the presence of emergency vehicles.
The California Highway Patrol had closed River Road from SR-68 to Chualar but reopened it Monday morning.
As the heatwave hit California last week, the state began to cut power to thousands of residents.
The heatwave is expected to last for the next ten days, and the state's energy experts are confused as to why blackouts are necessary.
