- Where the Hidden Fire burned at Bear Mountain Road
- Which communities were evacuated and are under evacuation warnings now
- How fire weather is increasing fire danger and areas most at risk
Firefighters worked to further contain the 45-acre Hidden Fire, burning in northeast Redding in Jones Valley.
As of Tuesday morning, June 18, the blaze is 60% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Crews worked on containment lines around the fire’s perimeter on Monday and Tuesday, said Public Information Officer Jas Shaw with Cal Fire's Shasta-Trinity Unit, and started "mopping up" the burn area: Checked for smoldering hot spots and burning logs and stumps.
The Hidden Fire is centered around Silverthorn Road and Hidden Valley Drive, according to Cal Fire.
June 17: Hidden Fire evacuation orders lifted. Fire burns in northeast Redding, Jones Valley
Firefighters battled a wildfire burning near the northeastern edge of Redding on Monday morning, after it forced evacuations for Bear Mountain Road communities on Sunday.
The Hidden Fire scorched 45 acres on both sides of Bear Mountain Road in Jones Valley as of 10 a.m., according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The fire was 35% contained as of 10:30 a.m. Monday, said Public information Officer Jas Shaw with Cal Fire's Shasta-Trinity Unit.
Ground and air crews spent Sunday night "throwing everything we've got" at the blaze, Shaw said, successfully stopping its spread Monday morning.
Crew are "mopping up now," and will continue monitoring the burn area this week, Shaw said.
No homes, businesses or other structures burned in the Hidden Fire, she said.
Bear Mountain evacuation orders lifted. Evacuation warnings in place
The Shasta County Sheriff lifted evacuation orders on June 17 for Redding and Jones Valley residents living near the fire. Those communities are now under evacuation warnings, meaning residents should be ready to leave if conditions change, according to the sheriff's office.
Dry Creek Road, north of the Hidden Valley Market, is closed to residents, Shaw said, and the Jones Valley Boat Launch and Jones Valley Campground are closed.
Traffic controls are in place near the burn area, the sheriff's office said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according the Cal Fire.
Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlightplease consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know.
Dry fire weather to continue at least through Tuesday
The Hidden Fire started at the northern edge of a dry weather pattern that could spread fire starts quickly, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency issued a Red Flag Warning, in effect at least through 8 a.m. June 18.
Weather service meteorologists said gusty winds and dry air and vegetation are increasing the danger of fires catching and spreading in an area that includes the Sacramento Valley from Redding to Sacramento, and south of the valley past Merced.
The weather service and Cal Fire cautioned North State residents to be careful not to spark fires: Avoid driving or parking on grass and brush, safely dispose of cigarettes and cigars, and make sure nothing drags from vehicles and that trailers and other towed items are secured properly.
Wind spreads Hidden Fire after Sunday start
The Hidden Fire started before 4:33 p.m. on June 16, according to Cal Fire.
It spread through dry grasses and vegetation, spread by strong gusty winds.
As of Monday morning, the fire's southern edge burned on Bear Mountain Road at the Bear Mountain Lookout turnoff, less than half a mile from the Bear Mountain Road and Hidden Valley Drive intersection, according to Cal Fire fire maps.
The Hidden Fire's southeastern edge scorched the west side of Bear Mountain Road. The blaze crossed Bear Mountain Road north of the Idle Hour restaurant and bar, according to Cal Fire.
Evacuation orders were lifted at 9 a.m. on June 17 for Redding residents living north and south of Hidden Valley Drive, south of Sunshine Way, east of Bear Mountain Road, west of Marin Drive and Backbone Road, north of Ravine Road, east of Bollibokka Way, and west of Marin Drive and Ravine Court.
A temporary evacuation site housed evacuees at Bella Vista School on Old Alturas Road on Sunday, according to Cal Fire.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories.Followher on Twitter@RS_JSkropanicand onFacebook. Join Jessica in theGet Out! Nor Calrecreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work,please subscribe today. Thank you.
