Hundreds of towering giant sequoias destroyed by the Castle fire — a stunning loss
Kristen Shive, Director of Science for Save The Redwoods League on the 530 acres of the privately owned Alder Creek grove explains that when big sequoias die in a wildfire, it is usually because heat has scorched all their needles, which are still on the tree. This fire was different as all-consuming flame had turned the giants into sequoia skeletons.The league estimates that on its property alone, the Castle killed at least 80 monarchs, ranging in age from 500 years old to well over 1,000 years old. One of the monster wildfires birthed by California's August lightning blitz, the Castle fire burned through portions of roughly 20 giant sequoia groves on the western slopes of the Sierra, the only place on the planet they naturally grow. Giant Sequoia National Monument on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 in Springville, CA. Elsewhere in Northern California, firefighters appeared to be turning a corner of the monstrous Dixie fire, which has seared more than 960,000 acres across multiple counties north of Sacramento since igniting in Plumas County about two months ago. Fewer than 100,000 acres shy of becoming the largest blaze in California history, the Dixie fire last week exploded along the northwest portion, spurring the evacuation of several rural communities as the flames lapped closer. But by Monday morning, the blaze was 75% contained, representing an increase of 16% since Friday. Containment of the nearly 220,000-acre Caldor fire tearing through El Dorado County also improved and was at 67% on Monday morning. With fuels across the state critically dry amid years of relentless drought, fire continue to ignite and surge at rapid speeds. Elsewhere in Northern California, lightning brought by intense storms cells ignited fires from El Dorado to Mendocino counties, as it hit historically dry fuels. A fast-moving fire burned some structures Sunday afternoon near Lake Mendocino and prompted evacuations, officials said. The Hopkins fire that ignited Sunday in Mendocino County has seared just over 250 acres near the town of Calpella, north of Santa Rosa, and is 20% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Social media posts showed the fire engulfing some structures. As an assessment of the damage is underway, the fire continues to threaten about 200 structures, according to a report by Cal Fire. Its cause is under investigation. Lower overnight temperatures and a boost in humidity helped firefighters get a handle on the blaze and increase containment, fire officials said. A brush fire that erupted late Saturday afternoon and temporarily shut down the 5 Freeway in both directions near Castaic had grown to 462 acres by Monday and was 63% contained. Flames were visible along the roadway as what was dubbed the Route fire grew at a moderate speed through chaparral. Southbound lanes on the 5 were reopened, and northbound lane closures were set to lift at 7 p.m. Monday, according to a recent incident report.
0 Comments