Carr Fire
{{Short description|2018 wildfire in Northern California}}
{{distinguish|Car fire}}
{{About|the wildfire|the tornado produced by the wildfire|2018 Carr Fire tornado}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox wildfire
| title = Carr Fire
| image = 2018 Carr Fire (42286507280).jpg
| caption = The Carr Fire's smoke plume produces a large pyrocumulus cloud on July 26, 2018
| reference = {{cite web |title=Carr Fire - Incident Update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=2164 |website=CALFIRE |publisher=State of California |date=August 30, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728020609/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=2164 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Bransford |first1=Scott |last2=Caron |first2=Christina |title=Woman and 2 of Her Great-Grandchildren Die in Carr Fire, Family Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/28/us/carr-fire-great-grandmother-children-dead.html |website=The New York Times |date=July 28, 2018 |access-date=July 29, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729001353/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/28/us/carr-fire-great-grandmother-children-dead.html |url-status=live }}
| location = Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area, California, United States
| coordinates = {{Wikidatacoord|Q55807361|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = USA California Northern
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of the fire in California
| cost = >$1.659 billion (2018 USD){{cite web |url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2018/08/02/496904.htm |title=Carr Fire Losses May Reach $1.5B in Likely Another Destructive Season for California |author=Don Jergler |publisher=Insurance Journal |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803110801/https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2018/08/02/496904.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-wildfire-costs-california-20180824-story.html |title=California's wildfires are deterring tourists and hitting taxpayers hard, officials say |author1=Alejandra Reyes-Velarde |author2=Hugo Martin |author3=Alene Tchekmedyian |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 24, 2018 |access-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824143844/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-wildfire-costs-california-20180824-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/predictive/intelligence/NationalLargeIncidentYTDReport.pdf |title=2018 National Large Incident Year-to-Date Report |publisher=National Interagency Fire Center |date=September 5, 2018 |access-date=September 5, 2018 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725214408/https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/predictive/intelligence/NationalLargeIncidentYTDReport.pdf |url-status=live }}
| date = {{Unbulleted list|{{Start date|2018|07|23}} – |{{End date|2018|08|30}}}}
| area = {{cvt|229651|acre|ha sqmi km2|0}}
| buildings = 1,604
| cause = Sparks from tire failure of a vehicle
| landuse =
| injuries = 11
| fatalities = 3 firefighters, 5 civilians
| perps =
| motive =
|image_map_alt=Refer to caption.|image_map=2018 Carr Fire map.png|image_map_caption=The maximum extent of the Carr Fire}}
{{OSM Location map
| coord = {{coord|40.64|-122.52}}
| zoom = 10
| float = right
| width = 250
| height = 200
| caption = Point of ignition of Carr Fire
| title =
| scalemark = 100
| shape1 = image
| mark1 = FireIcon.svg
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|40.6622|-122.6286|}}
| mark-size1 = 20
| label1 = Carr Fire
| label-pos1 = bottom
| label-size1 = 14
|label-color1 = black
| label-offset-x1=
| label-offset-y1=
|mark-title1=Carr Fire
| mark2 = Blue pog.svg
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|40.6995|-122.6388|}}
| mark-size2 = 6
| label2 = French Gulch
| label-pos2 = right
| label-size2 = 13
|label-color2 = black
|mark-title2=French Gulch
}}
The Carr Fire was a large wildfire in 2018 in Northern California's Shasta and Trinity counties. The fire ignited on July 23 and burned {{convert|229,651|acre|ha|0|abbr=off}} before it was fully contained on August 30. The Carr Fire destroyed 1,604 structures, including more than a thousand homes, and damaged 277 others. At the time it was the sixth-most destructive fire in California history (now the ninth-most destructive fire),{{cite web |title=Carr Fire becomes 6th most destructive fire in California state history |url=https://fox40.com/2018/07/31/carr-fire-in-california-becomes-6th-most-destructive-fire-in-state-history/ |website=FOX40 |access-date=August 2, 2018 |date=July 31, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801211432/https://fox40.com/2018/07/31/carr-fire-in-california-becomes-6th-most-destructive-fire-in-state-history/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/11417/top20_destruction.pdf |title=Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires |publisher=CalFire |date=September 10, 2020 |access-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830071113/https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/11417/top20_destruction.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires |url=https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/t1rdhizr/top20_destruction.pdf |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928163251/https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/t1rdhizr/top20_destruction.pdf |url-status=dead }} as well as the seventh-largest wildfire in recorded California history (now the fourteenth-largest).{{cite web |title=Top 20 Largest California Wildfires |url=https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/11416/top20_acres.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |date=September 10, 2020 |access-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-date=August 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826223244/https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/11416/top20_acres.pdf |url-status=dead }} The Carr Fire cost over $1.659 billion (2018 USD), including $1.5 billion in insured losses and more than $158.7 million in suppression costs. At its height, the fire engaged as many as 4,766 personnel from multiple agencies.{{cite web |title=CAL FIRE SHU (@CALFIRESHU) |publisher=Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/CALFIRESHU |website=twitter.com |language=en |access-date=October 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802123620/https://twitter.com/calfireshu |url-status=live }}
The fire was reported on the afternoon of July 23, 2018, near the intersection of Highway 299 and Carr Powerhouse Road in the Whiskeytown district of the Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area. The fire was started when a flat tire on a vehicle caused the wheel's rim to scrape against the asphalt, creating sparks.{{cite news |last1=Hutzler |first1=Alexandra |title=A flat tire caused California's deadly Carr wildfire, hundreds of thousands of acres burned |url=https://www.newsweek.com/flat-tire-caused-california-deadly-carr-wildfire-thousands-acres-burned-1057256 |access-date=August 5, 2018 |publisher=Newsweek |date=August 4, 2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804194837/https://www.newsweek.com/flat-tire-caused-california-deadly-carr-wildfire-thousands-acres-burned-1057256 |url-status=live }} On July 26, the fire jumped the Sacramento River, making its way into the city of Redding, causing the evacuation of 38,000 people. Evacuations also took place in Summit City, Keswick, Lewiston, Shasta Lake City, Igo, Ono, and French Gulch. Eight people died in the fire, including three firefighters.
Progression
=July=
The Carr Fire was reported on the afternoon of July 23, 2018, at the intersection of Highway 299 and Carr Powerhouse Road, in the Whiskeytown district of the Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area, in Shasta County, California, near French Gulch. The fire was believed to have been started accidentally by a vehicle towing a dual-axle travel trailer. One of the tires on the trailer blew out, causing the steel rim to scrape along the pavement, generating sparks that ignited dry vegetation along the edge of the highway. Wind caused the fire to spread quickly.{{Cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/letters-support-carr-fire-couple_us_5b7422e5e4b0182d49af4491 |title=Letters Pour In Supporting Couple Whose Trailer May Have Sparked Carr Fire |work=HuffPost |last=Golgowski |first=Nina |date=August 15, 2018 |access-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914011643/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/letters-support-carr-fire-couple_us_5b7422e5e4b0182d49af4491 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/30/us/carr-fire-california/index.html |title=Carr Fire in California is so hot it's creating its own weather system |first=Nicole |last=Chavez |date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=July 30, 2018 |work=CNN |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730082904/https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/30/us/carr-fire-california/index.html |url-status=live }} Hot conditions and steep, inaccessible terrain presented challenges for fire crews as they strengthened containment lines. Highway 299 was closed and French Gulch was placed under mandatory evacuation.{{cite web |title=Incident fact sheet |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3660.pdf |website=CALFIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725153306/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3660.pdf |url-status=dead }}
Overnight from July 25 to 26, the fire grew to {{convert|20000|acre|ha|0}} in total area burned.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire incident update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3670.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727085032/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3670.pdf |url-status=dead }} By the evening of July 26, the fire had burned {{convert|28763|acre|ha|0}} and was 10 percent contained.{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Sam Stanton, Kellen Browning And Claire |title=Redding residents making emergency evacuations as Carr Fire jumps the Sacramento River |url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article215624595.html |website=The Sacramento Bee |access-date=July 27, 2018 |date=July 26, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727053629/https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article215624595.html |url-status=live }} It was reported to have destroyed 15 buildings and damaged 5, while remaining a threat to 496 other buildings. The fire jumped the Sacramento River and portions of the western area of Redding were put under mandatory evacuation orders. Power to residents in North Redding was shut off by Redding Electric Utility. A state of emergency was declared by Governor Jerry Brown. The evacuation center at Shasta High School was relocated to Shasta College.{{cite web |title=Additional Evacuation Orders Issued Due to Carr Fire |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3677.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212215/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3677.pdf |url-status=dead }} A firefighter was killed while operating a bulldozer.{{cite web |last1=Ravani |first1=Sarah |title=Deadly Carr Fire kills two firefighters, widespread evacuations ordered |url=https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Deadly-erratic-Carr-Fire-forces-widespread-13110284.php |website=SFGate |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=July 27, 2018 |date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212257/https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Deadly-erratic-Carr-Fire-forces-widespread-13110284.php |url-status=live }} The National Guard was called in to help fight the fire on the night of July 26.{{cite web |title=National Guard called as deadly wildfire roars into Redding |url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/07/26/wildfire-redding-injures-firefighters-burns-buildings/ |website=KPIX |access-date=July 29, 2018 |language=en |date=July 26, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729081513/https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/07/26/wildfire-redding-injures-firefighters-burns-buildings/ |url-status=live }}
The fire remained active overnight, with fire crews continuing to build containment lines. However, crews were stalled in their work due to the fire's extreme behavior.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Incident Update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3682.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212208/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3682.pdf |url-status=dead }} Just after midnight, evacuation orders were put in place for Shasta Dam, Summit City, and neighborhoods in western Redding.{{cite web |title=Additional evacuation orders issued due to Carr Fire |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3678.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212224/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3678.pdf |url-status=dead }} A second firefighter, Jeremy Stoke of the Redding Fire Department, was killed and it was reported that three firefighters from Marin County sustained burns. They were defending a structure when a heat blast from the flames came towards them. All three were released, with one being evaluated at the University of California, Davis Burn Center for burns on his face, hands and ears.{{cite web |last1=Herrera |first1=Julianne |title=Bay Area firefighters burned while helping battle Carr Fire in Shasta Co. |url=https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/bay-area-firefighters-burned-while-helping-battle-carr-fire-in-shasta-co/1328276081 |website=KRON |access-date=July 27, 2018 |date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727171309/https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/bay-area-firefighters-burned-while-helping-battle-carr-fire-in-shasta-co/1328276081 |url-status=live }}
By the evening of July 27, the fire had destroyed 500 structures and threatened almost 5,000. CrossPointe Community Church was named the third evacuation place.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Incident Update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3691.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728101439/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3691.pdf |url-status=dead }} Amtrak announced that their Coast Starlight service would stop in Sacramento and Klamath Falls with alternative transportation being provided.{{cite web |title=Amtrak Advisory {{!}} Service Disrupted between Sacramento, CA and Klamath Falls, OR due to Wildfire |url=https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service-disrupted-between-sacramento-ca-and-klamath-falls-due-to-wildfire.html |website=Amtrak |access-date=July 28, 2018 |language=en }} Containment lines remained the priority for firefighters overnight. Red flag warnings and heat advisories were put in place for the area.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire incident update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3701.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728221707/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3701.pdf |url-status=dead }}
By the next morning, over 38,000 individuals had been evacuated.{{cite web |title=Northern California's deadly Carr Fire doubles in size as family searches for missing children and great-grandmother |url=https://ktla.com/2018/07/28/great-grandmother-2-young-children-reported-missing-as-deadly-carr-fire-grows-in-northern-california/ |website=KTLA |access-date=July 28, 2018 |date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728165603/https://ktla.com/2018/07/28/great-grandmother-2-young-children-reported-missing-as-deadly-carr-fire-grows-in-northern-california/ |url-status=live }} The Shasta College evacuation center reached capacity by July 28 and two more shelters operated by the Red Cross, and one at Grace Baptist Church, were opened.{{cite web |last1=Chapman |first1=Mike |title=Carr Fire: sheriff says 14 people are missing in Shasta County |url=https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/07/28/carr-fire-what-we-know-redding-fire/854574002/ |website=Redding Record Searchlight |access-date=July 28, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729215954/https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/07/28/carr-fire-what-we-know-redding-fire/854574002/ |url-status=live }} President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for the state of California due to this fire and other fires burning in the state.{{cite web |title=The Latest: Trump declares emergency in California wildfires |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/us/article/The-Latest-Shasta-County-wildfire-doubles-in-13113129.php |website=US News |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=July 28, 2018 |date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728221549/https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/us/article/The-Latest-Shasta-County-wildfire-doubles-in-13113129.php |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |url-status=dead }} The communities of Happy Valley and Anderson, as well as other areas, were put under mandatory evacuation in the mid-morning. A woman and two children, who were reported missing on July 26 due to the fire, were reported dead. More buildings were evaluated for damage, bringing the total up to 536 destroyed and 117 damaged. Winds were erratic, fueled by hot weather, which created spot fires throughout the fire area.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire incident update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3715.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729081537/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3715.pdf |url-status=dead }} Weaverville Elementary School was closed as an evacuation center and a new center was opened at Trinity High School.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire evacuation centers update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3718.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729111735/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3718.pdf |url-status=dead }} In the evening, new evacuation orders were put in place for Highway 299 at Trinity Dam Road west to Douglas City and other nearby subdivisions.{{cite web |title=Additional evacuation orders issued due to Carr Fire |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3719.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729081628/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3719.pdf |url-status=dead }}
A sixth fatality was reported on July 29, as the fire moved from densely populated areas and into rural parts of Shasta and Trinity Counties. The community of Lewiston was evacuated. By the evening, fire containment had grown from 5 to 17 percent. The National Guard was assigned to Redding to monitor for looting in evacuated neighborhoods.{{cite web |last1=Kasler |first1=Dale |last2=Sullivan |first2=Molly |last3=Bizjak |first3=Tony |last4=Sabalow |first4=Ryan |title=Carr Fire: another fatality, fire spills into Trinity County, evacuations remain in Redding |url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article215729720.html |website=The Sacramento Bee |access-date=July 31, 2018 |date=July 29, 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730213006/https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article215729720.html |url-status=live }} The next day, repopulation began of areas of western Redding, Shasta Lake, and Happy Valley that had previously been evacuated.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Repopulation |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3760.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062217/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3760.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Repopulation |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3769.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062220/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3769.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Repopulation |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3774.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062258/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3774.pdf |url-status=dead }} Overnight, strengthening containment lines remained a priority as east and west winds converged and created challenges for firefighters. Repopulation efforts continued, starting on the morning of July 31 for areas of western Redding, Summit City, Buckeye, and Happy Valley.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Repopulation |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3789.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064121/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3789.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Repopulation |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3784.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064159/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3784.pdf |url-status=dead }} Celebrity chef Guy Fieri provided food for evacuees in Redding.{{cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=Ruth |title=Guy Fieri and others provide aid during Carr Fire |url=http://www.record-bee.com/general-news/20180731/guy-fieri-and-others-provide-aid-during-carr-fire |website=Community News |publisher=Record-Bee |access-date=August 1, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801034924/http://www.record-bee.com/general-news/20180731/guy-fieri-and-others-provide-aid-during-carr-fire |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |url-status=dead }}
By the evening of July 31, the fire had burned {{convert|112,888|acre|ha|0}} and was 30 percent contained. Crews were challenged by the fire along the western edge, where the fire burned in high terrain with strong winds and dry fuels.{{cite web |title=Cal Fire Incident Update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3803.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190257/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3803.pdf |url-status=dead }}
==Redding fire whirl==
{{Main|2018 Carr Fire tornado}}
A powerful fire whirl with winds estimated in excess of {{cvt|143|mph|km/h}}—equivalent to an EF3 tornado—developed within the Carr Fire in Redding, California, on July 26. Remaining on the ground from 7:30–8:00 p.m., the fire whirl reached an estimated height of {{cvt|18000|ft|m}} and caused extensive tornado-like damage while spreading the fire. The winds toppled transmission towers, shredded foliage, and debarked and uprooted trees. The smoke plume from the whirl dominated the site of the wildfire.{{cite news |publisher=KCRA |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 5, 2018 |title=NWS: Redding fire whirl reached EF-3 tornado wind speeds |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/nws-redding-fire-whirl-reached-ef-3-tornado-wind-speeds/22631009 |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805233652/https://www.kcra.com/article/nws-redding-fire-whirl-reached-ef-3-tornado-wind-speeds/22631009 |url-status=live }} Substantial damage occurred in areas untouched by fire, including signs of ground scouring.{{cite news |author=Jonathan Erdman |publisher=The Weather Channel |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 5, 2018 |title=The giant fire whirl from California's Carr Fire produced damage similar to an EF3 tornado in Redding, an NWS survey found |url=https://weather.com/safety/wildfires/news/2018-08-03-fire-whirl-carr-fire-california-damage |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805083134/https://weather.com/safety/wildfires/news/2018-08-03-fire-whirl-carr-fire-california-damage |url-status=live }} Three people were killed inside their Redding home after the structure's walls were blown out and the roof collapsed on the occupants. Several other homes suffered significant roof damage.{{cite news |publisher=Q13 Fox |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=August 5, 2018 |title=A tornado of fire killed 3 members of one family in Redding |url=https://q13fox.com/2018/08/03/a-tornado-of-fire-killed-3-members-of-one-family-in-redding/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803202215/https://q13fox.com/2018/08/03/a-tornado-of-fire-killed-3-members-of-one-family-in-redding/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2018 }}
=August=
File:2018 Carr Fire (43188982195).jpg
The fire grew over {{convert|2000|acre|ha|0}} and to 35 percent containment, as the fire burned into August 1. Late morning, evacuation orders were lifted for the Mary Lake Subdivision and, later in the day, residents were allowed back to Plateau Road.{{cite web |last1=Schultz |first1=Jim |last2=Chapman |first2=Mike |title=UPDATE: All missing people accounted for, hotline to shut down |url=https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/08/01/what-we-know-wednesday-carr-fire/878296002/ |website=Redding Record Searchlight |access-date=August 1, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727092309/https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/08/01/what-we-know-wednesday-carr-fire/878296002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Carr Fire Updates August 1 5:45 PM |url=https://anewscafe.com/2018/08/01/redding/carr-fire-repopulation-map/ |website=A News Cafe |access-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802101702/https://anewscafe.com/2018/08/01/redding/carr-fire-repopulation-map/ |url-status=live }} The City of Redding shut down their Carr Fire-related missing persons hotline as all missing people were accounted for. Shasta College, which served as an evacuation center, resumed normal services. Six people were reported as arrested for alleged looting or illegally being in evacuated areas. The area west of Lakehead, California, was closed to public access to allow for fire crews' safety.{{cite web |title=Officials close roads in Shasta-Trinity National Forest due to Carr Fire |url=https://kymkemp.com/2018/08/01/officials-close-roads-in-shasta-trinity-national-forest-due-to-carr-fire/ |website=Redheaded Blackbelt |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802101904/https://kymkemp.com/2018/08/01/officials-close-roads-in-shasta-trinity-national-forest-due-to-carr-fire/ |url-status=live }} Thus far, the fire had destroyed 1,546 structures, including 1,058 residential and 13 commercial.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire incident update |url=http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3812.pdf |website=CAL FIRE |publisher=State of California |access-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802071333/http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile2164_3812.pdf |url-status=dead }}
On the morning of August 2, the fire covered {{convert|125842|acre|ha|0}} and remained 35 percent contained. Over 1,600 structures remained threatened, due to the fire. The Carr Fire continued to grow as the terrain, wind, and dry fuels continued to create challenges for fire crews. The Sunset West, Sunset Terrace, Ranch Land Acres, Middletown Park neighborhoods, and Centerville were reopened to population in the morning.{{cite web |last1=Schultz |first1=Jim |last2=Chapman |first2=Mike |title=Update: Sunset West, Sunset Terrace neighborhoods re-opened for residents |url=https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/08/02/what-we-know-thursday-carr-fire/888568002/ |website=Redding Record Searchlight |access-date=August 2, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727081707/https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/08/02/what-we-know-thursday-carr-fire/888568002/ |url-status=live }}
By August 4, the fire grew to {{convert|145,015|acre|ha|0}} and to 41 percent containment. California Governor Jerry Brown toured the site and announced that he had requested a major disaster declaration, which provides federal assistance.{{cite web |title=Gov. Brown calls disasters like Carr Fire the 'new normal,' requests major disaster declaration |url=https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/08/04/gov-jerry-brown-visits-shasta-county-carr-fires-aftermath/908502002/ |website=Redding Record Searchlight |access-date=August 5, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806215436/https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/08/04/gov-jerry-brown-visits-shasta-county-carr-fires-aftermath/908502002/ |url-status=live }} Later that day, President Donald Trump approved the request for Shasta County.{{cite web |last1=California |first1=State of |title=Governor Brown announces federal approval of presidential major disaster declaration for Shasta County |publisher=Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. |url=https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/04/governor-brown-announces-federal-approval-of-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-for-shasta-county/ |website=www.gov.ca.gov |access-date=August 5, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805083215/https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/04/governor-brown-announces-federal-approval-of-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-for-shasta-county/ |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }} A seventh fatality was reported when a PG&E employee died in a vehicle incident.{{cite web |title=PG&E employee becomes seventh Carr Fire fatality |url=https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/08/04/pg-e-employee-becomes-seventh-carr-fire-fatality/909483002/ |website=Redding Record Searchlight |access-date=August 5, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724172753/https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/08/04/pg-e-employee-becomes-seventh-carr-fire-fatality/909483002/ |url-status=live }}
By August 9, the fire grew to {{convert|178,752|acre|ha|0}}, with 49 percent containment. Early that morning, a Cal Fire heavy equipment mechanic was killed in a traffic incident, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.{{cite web |last1=Browning |first1=Kellen |title=Eighth person dies in relation to Carr Fire |url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article216377810.html |website=The Sacramento Bee |access-date=August 9, 2018 |date=August 9, 2018 |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810014607/https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article216377810.html |url-status=live }}
During the evening of August 30, the Carr Fire was reported to be 100% contained, at {{convert|229,651|acres|ha}}.
Effects
The Carr Fire is the ninth-most destructive wildfire in California history. It caused evacuations of over 36,000 people in the communities of French Gulch, Igo, Ono, Lewiston, Douglas City, Shasta, Shasta Lake City, Summit City, and the City of Redding, and caused closures of portions of California State Route 299. The fire directly impacted the water sources Keswick Dam and Shasta Dam.{{cite web |title=Northern California wildfire raging into its fourth day |url=https://kstp.com/news/northern-california-wildfire-raging-into-its-fourth-day-redding-shasta-county-carr-fire-/5009298/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729154038/https://kstp.com/news/northern-california-wildfire-raging-into-its-fourth-day-redding-shasta-county-carr-fire-/5009298/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |website=KSTP |access-date=July 29, 2018 |language=en }} The Carr Fire Pet Rescue and Reunification network was established after the fire was contained and coordinates with the Tubbs Fire Pet Rescue and Reunification network to help captured pets that were lost during evacuations.{{Cite news |url=https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Months-after-California-wildfire-pets-and-their-owners-reunited-499507881.html |title=Months after California wildfire, pets and their owners reunited |agency=Associated Press |date=November 3, 2018 |work=WVLT CBS 8 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113025630/https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Months-after-California-wildfire-pets-and-their-owners-reunited-499507881.html |url-status=live }}
= Damage =
The Shasta State Historic Park was also affected, where the 1920s schoolhouse was destroyed and other buildings were damaged. Artifacts had been removed before the fire.{{cite web |title=Carr Fire kills two firefighters near Redding, destroys 500 structures |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Deadly-erratic-Carr-Fire-forces-widespread-13110284.php |website=SFChronicle.com |access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728071110/https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Deadly-erratic-Carr-Fire-forces-widespread-13110284.php |url-status=live }}
= Casualties =
Two firefighters were killed in the Carr Fire. One was a contract firefighter, Donald Ray Smith, who was driving a bulldozer when he died.{{cite web |title=Donald Ray Smith |url=https://www.mtdemocrat.com/obituaries/donald-ray-smith/ |website=Mtn Democrat |date=August 10, 2018 |language=en |access-date=September 6, 2019 |archive-date=September 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906051928/https://www.mtdemocrat.com/obituaries/donald-ray-smith/ |url-status=live }} The second was Redding-based fire inspector Jeremy Stoke. On July 28, a great-grandmother and her two great-grandchildren were found dead, as they did not have a car and were unable to evacuate.{{cite web |title=Two Missing Kids, Great-Grandmother in Redding Found Dead: Family |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Two-Kids-and-Their-Grandmother-Missing-Following-Devastating-Carr-Fire-489424201.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_BAYBrand |website=NBC Bay Area |date=July 28, 2018 |access-date=July 28, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729013135/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Two-Kids-and-Their-Grandmother-Missing-Following-Devastating-Carr-Fire-489424201.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_BAYBrand |url-status=live }} A sixth fatality was reported on July 29. An evacuation order was issued to the victim, but they did not evacuate. The victim was recovering from heart surgery, which possibly prevented him from leaving.{{cite web |title=Woman remembers brother who died in Carr Fire: 'He needed help to get out of there' |url=https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/07/31/sister-says-brother-who-died-carr-fire-needed-help-evacuating/875542002/ |website=Redding Record Searchlight |access-date=August 1, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727075154/https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2018/07/31/sister-says-brother-who-died-carr-fire-needed-help-evacuating/875542002/ |url-status=live }} On August 4, a PG&E employee was killed in a vehicle incident. On August 9, a Cal Fire heavy equipment mechanic was killed in a traffic incident.
=Closures and evacuations=
File:2018 Carr Fire (42286511740).jpg
The fire affected recreational activities. At early stages, the access to Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area was halted, specifically in Shasta County, including access to Whiskey Creek and Whiskeytown Lake. The area surrounding Shasta Dam and the dam's visitors center were evacuated and closed. Lake Redding Park and the adjacent golf course were closed due to the fire after it jumped the Sacramento River, destroying close to 40 homes in the surrounding neighborhood.{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Daniel |title=See the devastation from the Carr Fire on Harlan Drive in the Lake Redding Estates |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/state/california/article215646615.html |website=The Tribune |access-date=July 29, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728122254/https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/state/california/article215646615.html |url-status=live }} The Bureau of Land Management closed trails in western Redding.
Amtrak service on the Coast Starlight was disrupted between Sacramento and Klamath Falls, Oregon. Amtrak arranged alternative transportation for travelers between those two cities.File:Carr Fire 28 July 2018 b.jpg
Large portions of Highway 299 were closed as a result of the fire. Many sections of the highway's route through Redding were closed, including the North Market Street Bridge which connects downtown Redding to the Benton Tract neighborhood. Highway 273 was closed in many areas.
Access to Keswick Dam was restricted and the surrounding areas were evacuated as a result of the fire.
Access to the remains of the historic ghost town of Gas Point was restricted due to the fire. A 2008 fire had destroyed the historic town.{{cite web |last1=Benda |first1=David |title=Gas Point ghost town destroyed |url=http://archive.redding.com/news/gas-point-ghost-town-destroyed-ep-378121748-356199531.html/ |website=Record Searchlight |access-date=July 29, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729171249/http://archive.redding.com/news/gas-point-ghost-town-destroyed-ep-378121748-356199531.html/ |url-status=live }} The historic town of French Gulch was evacuated and closed. This was the second time the community had been evacuated due to a fire, the prior evacuation taking place in August 2004, in which 103 structures burned in the community.
=Environmental impacts=
The fire affected air quality throughout Northern California and the Central Valley down to Bakersfield, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. Smoke reached as far north as Seattle, Washington, and Boise, Idaho.{{Cite tweet |number=1023576379990790147 |user=NWSBoise |title=Today's simulated wildfire smoke forecast across the West. Smoke will increase on Monday across our region as upper level winds shift to the southwest, bringing wildfire smoke from the CA wildfires. #orwx #idwx |author=NWS Boise |date=July 29, 2018 }}{{citation |title=Smoke predicted to blow out of Seattle, Western Washington |publisher=KOMO News |location=Seattle |date=July 30, 2018 |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/wildfire-smoke-moving-into-seattle-western-washington |access-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801221043/https://komonews.com/news/local/wildfire-smoke-moving-into-seattle-western-washington |url-status=live }}
Fire growth and containment
See also
- 2018 California wildfires
- List of California wildfires
- Hirz Fire – A wildfire that burned a few miles northeast of the Carr Fire
- Delta Fire – A wildfire that burned just east of the Carr Fire
- Camp Fire (2018) – The most destructive wildfire recorded in California
- Thomas Fire
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Carr Fire}}
- [https://calema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=33c284a58166427bab05a115414930ed Office of Emergency Service Fire Map]
- [http://redding.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=94b379a91e0f47cb91712da22f603d39 ArcGIS Carr Fire Activity Map]
- [https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/27691/web Live Audio: Cal Fire SHU Scanner]
- [http://google.org/crisismap/google.com/2018-carr-fire Google Crisis Response Map: Carr Fire]
- [https://earther.gizmodo.com/californias-viral-fire-tornado-has-scientists-searching-1828096118 California's Viral Fire Tornado Has Scientists Searching For Answers]
- {{YouTube|id=YvfDbODi-vQ|title=This is what a lethal fire tornado looks like}} published November 21, 2019 Scientific American
{{California wildfires by size}}
{{2018 wildfires}}
{{California wildfires}}
{{California wildfires by deaths}}
Category:2018 California wildfires
Category:July 2018 in the United States
Category:August 2018 in the United States
Category:History of Shasta County, California
Category:Natural history of Shasta County, California