Wildfire prompts evacuations, disrupts I-5 near Shasta

ASHLAND, Ore. - A fast-moving wildfire disrupted Interstate 5 in California on Wednesday near Mount Shasta.

A detour was put place but motorists faced two-hour delays.

Traffic appeared to be back to normal Thursday morning. But on Wednesday afternoon, Cal Trans said I-5 is closed from 10 miles north of Redding to the junction of State Route 89.

Evacuations were in progress late Wednesday night, with as many as 100 structures threatened, with one outbuilding confirmed destroyed, fire managers said. Power lines are also threatened.

Red Cross staffed an Evacuation Center at the Central Valley High School for those affected by the Salt Creek Fire.

For more information, please contact the Red Cross at 211.

The fire grew to 500 acres by Thursday morning. A firefighting force of 333 people had the blaze 20 percent contained by 9 a.m. Thursday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Per Caltrans on Wednesday night, traffic was being piloted through the area along Southbound I-5.

Check for road conditions by calling Cal Trans at 800-427-7623 or visit their website at www.dot.ca.gov.

Northbound I-5 is closed at the Fawndale Exit.

US Forest Service and CAL FIRE resources are on scene and engaged in initial attack activities supported by aircraft.

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