June 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
This article is being updated as information becomes available. Check back for updates.Updated Monday at 7:30 p.m. The Humboldt Fire is now fully contained.
As of 7 p.m., Cal Fire issued an update to its fire information page, saying that "significant progress" could be expected toward the end of the evening.
A demobilization of resources is also underway and the command team plans to continue to transition the incident until Thursday at noon.
The fire has burned about 23,344 acres to date and has destroyed 74 homes and damaged 20 more. An additional injury has been reported, bringing the total to nine.
Cal Fire representatives could not be reached for comment regarding the ninth injury.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Centerville Road is still listed as restricted access.
Updated Saturday at 4:30 p.m. After days of hard work and sweat, the fire that has swept through Butte County is reaching its end.
The blaze is about 50 percent contained and is expected to be 100 percent contained by Monday, said Scott Upton, with the fire information line.
The majority of the shelters in Chico have also been closed down, and the remaining people seeking shelter are being consolidated at the Paradise Alliance Church.
The number of reported injuries remains unchanged at eight. None were badly hurt
The fire has burned about 23,162 acres, destroyed 74 homes and damaged another 20 since it was reported Wednesday.
The fire no longer threatens Centerville Road, Upton said.
The eastward spread of the fire has been slowed, and the threats to Paradise and Forest Ranch have been significantly reduced, fire officials said.
After the fire has been completely contained, firefighters will begin the process of "mopping up" and put out smaller fires, Upton said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fundraising efforts will be made to help those who lost property in the fire, and the cause will continue to be investigated.
Updated Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Firefighters are making progress toward containing what is now being called the "Butte County Firestorm of 2008" by some, fire officials said.
The blaze is now 35 percent contained and is expected to be 100 percent contained by Monday, said Scott Upton, with the fire information line.
Skyway is now open to traffic, as well as Pentz, Clark and Durham-Pentz roads, he said. Honey Run Road and Neal Road are also open, but only under escort.
The fire currently threatens Centerville Road, he said. Precautionary evacuations are in place for Honey Run Road, in addition to East of Highway 32 and North of Santos Ranch Road.
To date, the fire has burned about 22,996 acres, Upton said. About 66 homes have been destroyed, and another 12 have been damaged.
Eight injuries have been reported, all of them firefighters, he said. None are critical.
There are currently 435 engines, eight air tankers, 10 helicopters and 2,877 fire fighters working on the fire.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated and theories are not available.
The shelter in Acker Gym has been closed because of a lack of necessity. The shelters at Paradise Alliance Church, Elks Lodge and Neighborhood Church should remain open.
Financial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army by calling 1-800-725-2769. Those interested in making donations should call 538-2758.
Evacuation information can be obtained by calling 872-6149.
Updated Friday at 8:00 p.m. New developments in the Butte County fire have surfaced as local firefighters have been working to push back the intense blaze.
The fire has damaged an estimated 22,833 acres. It has destroyed about 50 homes and damaged 12, said Tom Sitter, a Cal Fire volunteer. Another 4,000 homes are threatened.
The fire is currently moving East toward lower Paradise and is in Forest Ranch in the west-Paradise area, he said. Depending on wind conditions, the fire could spread to Centerville Road in Butte Creek Canyon.
All roads are now open except for Neal and Honey Run roads, he said.
A total of eight injuries have been reported, Sitter said. It is unknown whether the injured are firefighters or civilians. It is also unknown whether the injuries are minor or critical.
As of 8 p.m, the shelter in Acker Gym was empty and had not received fire victims, university officials said. It is unclear exactly how many will move in.
Updated Friday at 3:30 p.m. Acker Gym is being set up as a temporary shelter for people displaced by a raging fire, which has claimed homes and forced evacuations in Chico and Paradise.
The fire, which began on Humboldt Road, has burned about 20,000 acres and destroyed 12 to 40 homes, the Enterprise Record reported. Other shelters include Pleasant Valley High School, Paradise Alliance Church, Paradise Elks Lodge and Neighborhood Church.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Durham-Pentz, Neal and Honey Run roads were closed because of the fire as of early Friday. The fire is spreading up Neal Road toward Durham-Pentz Road.
A line with information about the fire is available at 538-7826. It has been busy for most of Friday and is expected to receive an even larger volume of calls, fire officials said.
About 1500 to 1900 cots have been requested for Acker Gym, said Mary Wallmark, recreational sports coordinator.
If Acker Gym reaches capacity, the university will look into other areas to serve as shelters, Wallmark said. People are expected to arrive at the gym at about 3 p.m.
According to the university Web site, Acker Gym has a capacity of 2,000 people.
Evan Burt can be reached at eburt@theorion.com
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