As the Smith River Complex wildfires grew to more than 25,000 acres, Del Norte County residents were warned to expect a multi-day power outage.
Pacific Power de-energized transmission lines in the county because of wildfire risk and gave no estimate for their restoration. Generator power restored electricity to some businesses.
Highway 199 remains closed from near Gasquet to just south of the Oregon line, and all residents along that stretch have been ordered to evacuate. The mandatory evacuation also covers Patrick Creek, Little Jones Creek, Copper Creek Drainage, Coon Creek and Washington Flat.
In addition to an evacuation shelter at the county fairgrounds, in Crescent City, there are resource centers with water, charging stations and wi-fi in Crescent City, Smith River and Klamath.
Lightning strikes on Aug. 15-16 started dozens of wildfires in California’s northwest counties. Evacuations have been ordered in Siskiyou County and Trinity County as well. One resident has been found dead in the Siskiyou County evacuation zone.
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