Red Bank Fire: Evacuations Ordered, Structures Threatened

RED BLUFF, CA — A rapidly spreading wildfire in rural Northern California on Friday has scorched thousands of acres of land, threatened structures and prompted evacuations. The blaze, called the Red Bank Fire, is one of several large wildfires to erupt in California this week.

The fire, which broke out Thursday on Hammer Loop Road and Pettyjohn Road, about 25 miles west of Red Bluff in Tehama County, has burned 7,340 acres so far and is 7 percent contained, Cal Fire said.

As the Red Bank Fire tears through Red Bluff, the Tenaja Fire in Riverside County has charred about 2,000 acres since it started Wednesday. While there have been fewer fires and acres burned in 2019 so far compared to 2018 — the deadliest and most destructive fire season on record — officials are warning residents to be prepared and vigilant.

Also see: California Wildfires 2019: 5 Essential Things To Know

The Red Bank Fire was sparked by lightning, according to Cal Fire. Within hours, the blaze burned thousands of acres.

Officials ordered mandatory evacuations from the start of Pettyjohn Road to the U.S. Forest Service land boundary, and for the Red Bank Oaks subdivision and the R Wild Horse Ranch.

Related: Firefighters From Alameda Co. Battling Raging Red Bank Fire

About 650 firefighters remained assigned to the fire. The fire was burning in a remote area with difficult access, according to Cal Fire. Multiple structures were threatened but no structures have been damaged.