North State fires rage on

Though no wildfires are currently burning in Butte County, the smoke drifting over Chico is an indication the Chips Fire in Plumas County is getting closer.

At last report, the fire—which started on July 29 and has burned 36,743 acres in the Plumas National Forest—was two miles outside Butte County at its nearest point, according to KTVN News. The fire is 12 percent contained and threatening 940 structures in the area, prompting officials to enact mandatory evacuations for residents of Rush Creek and Seneca, while voluntary evacuations are in place for Canyondam, Big Meadows and Rocky Point Campground. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, the Reading Fire in Lassen Volcanic National Park, which started on July 23 due to a lightning strike, is 15 percent contained and has burned 23,958 acres.

Go to www.inciweb.org for updates on the Chips and Reading fires.