Forest Ranch

An assistance center for survivors of the Park Fire is opening in Chico today. It’s located in the North Valley Plaza in the building that was formerly the 99 Cents Only store. Those affected by the fire can find resources at the center and talk to county and state officials. Also, the Park Fire has now reached more than 400,000 acres in size, and Cal Fire says the damage assessment for the fire is 100% complete.

Officials are warning those returning after being evacuated that hazards could be in the area. Also, the Butte County Fire Safe County’s mission is to help fire prone neighborhoods prepare for fire, and we continue to hear from evacuees about their experience and what they returned home to in the wake of the fire.

Right now the northeast side of the perimeter, near the Mill Creek area, is the main concern on the Park Fire as critical weather conditions are expected. Also, a local assistance center is being set up for Park Fire survivors. It opens Monday. And we hear from evacuees about their experience and what they returned home to in the wake of the fire.

The City of Chico has a prescribed burning plan that includes parts of Bidwell Park. Some question whether the Park Fire might not have grown so intense or spread as far if there’d been a prescribed burn near the gully where it started. Also, evacuees have been telling NSPR about their experiences leaving and what they returned home to in the wake of the fire. And a changing weather pattern near the fire is concerning officials. As dry winds and triple digits return to the North State, experts are cautioning the region to be prepared for new growth.

Today we hear from Zeke Lunder, fire analyst and founder of the-lookout.org, about the parallels of the Park Fire and Dixie Fire that hit the North State three years ago. Both took off quickly, then went somewhat dormant. But the Dixie Fire ended up flaring up again, going on a “rampage” about two weeks later. The Park Fire has been less active the past few days, but a changing weather pattern has officials concerned for tomorrow and the weekend.

Firefighters are working to mop up hotspots in communities, but Butte County’s fire chief says they don’t always get them all. He’s warning residents to be cautious when repopulating areas the fire burned through. Also, Tehama County’s sheriff says he’s taking a ‘no nonsense stance’ on anyone going behind fire lines, and when a wildfire superheats PVC pipes they can release the carcinogenic chemical benzine into the water supply. Following the Park Fire, many in Forest Ranch have had their water disconnected so officials can test the water for the chemical.

Many residents in the North State are worried about air quality in the region due to smoke from the fire. NSPR spoke with Lisa Almaguer, with the Butte County Public Health Department, about how to stay safe.

Officials have been responding to the Park Fire for a week now. Today, they updated residents on the latest status of the fire.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced insurance protections for those impacted by the Park Fire. He also reminded residents about common aid available through their insurance policies. Also, we get an update on Forest Ranch where residents have been returning home after being evacuated, and officials say they’re opening a local assistance center next week for those impacted by the fire.

The California Department of Insurance said if those affected by the Park Fire have insurance it may help with evacuation and relocation costs.