Photo: Caltrans

Fueled by winds, warm weather and extremely dry brush, the Delta Fire fire in northern Shasta County tripled in size overnight reaching 15,294 acres and has prompted evacuations in several smaller communities along Interstate 5 in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, officials announced Thursday morning. 

The fast-moving fire forced truck drivers to abandon their rigs on the highway. Several trucks were consumed by the blaze.

Caltrans said I-5 north of Lakehead remains closed and there is no estimated time of reopening at this time. They urge drivers to use highways 89 and 299 as alternate routes.

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has issued mandatory evacuations for several communities along I-5 between Vollmers and Gibson and say that numerous structures are threatened. 

From Inciweb:

The Delta Fire continued to grow aggressively throughout the evening and overnight with a large flaming front and flame lengths estimated at 300 feet high. The fire has grown primarily to the north and northwest of Vollmers, burning on both sides of Interstate 5. Life safety is a top priority for firefighters, and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating evacuations for areas affected by the incident. Crews have worked to anchor the south end of the fire along Dog Creek. To stop the fire’s northern spread and protect structures east of Interstate 5, firefighters have started a backfiring operation off a road that runs east from Pollard Flats to Hirz Fire’s western side near Salt Creek Road. Many of the eastern Hirz Fire contingency lines may be used in the efforts to control the Delta Fire.

Weather will continue to be hot and dry with gusty winds that have the possibility to increase fire behavior. Firefighters are working quickly to protect communities and structures immediately threatened by the fire. Dozers are being mobilized to construct fuel breaks and control lines north of the fire front to assist with protecting life and property. Aircraft will be used extensively for water and retardant drops in order to assist with protecting values at risk and slowing the fire’s progression.