Lava Fire updates: Containment reaches 25% on wildfire in Siskiyou County

Firefighters are making steady progress on the Lava Fire, gaining 25% containment on the wildfire that started Friday in Siskiyou County before erupting over the weekend.

The U.S. Forest Service said the wildfire spans 19,680 acres — or 30.75 square miles — up from 17,591 acres Wednesday morning. Throughout Thursday morning, firefighters were able to hold lines to the north and west of the fire, increasing containment from 19%, according to a status update from the Forest Service.

The fire is located 3½ miles northeast of Weed and 4½ miles southeast of Lake Shastina. Evacuation orders are in place affecting thousands of people in the area.

The fire has prompted the closure of Highway 97 between the City of Weed and the City of Dorris and Everitt Memorial Highway at Gateway Trail Trailhead and at McBride Springs.

All evacuation orders and highway closures remain in place Thursday morning. Officials have no estimate as to when the closures will be lifted.

Nearly 1,300 responders are working on the wildfire. Officials say that crew members have made “good progress” on the western and northern sides of the fire, keeping it out of populated Weed and Lake Shastina. Officials also said winds have been forecast from the south — southerly winds are typically cooler and have more moisture — which could give crews the upper hand in gaining containment.

No injuries or deaths have been linked to the fire. One man was shot to death by authorities Monday night at a road closure.

This story was originally published July 1, 2021 at 8:50 AM.