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Caldwell Fire, pushed by winds from thunderstorm, more than doubles in size

Map of the Caldwell Fire. The red line was the perimeter at 12:24 am PDT July 27, 2020. The white line was the perimeter about 24 hours before.Outflow winds from a thunderstorm Sunday caused the Caldwell Fire to spread seven miles to the north, more than doubling in size. Early Sunday morning the fire was 13,125 acres, but at 12:20 a.m. Monday a fixed wing aircraft mapped it at 43,749 acres, an increase of 30,624.(To see all articles on Wildfire Today about the Caldwell Fire, including the most recent, click here.)As of 6:45 a.m. Monday one structure and three outbuildings were confirmed as destroyed. The fire threatened the community of Tulelake, prompting evacuations in that area. The fire has spread to approximately one mile south of County Road 120. Firefighting resources attacking the new growth included 20 engines, 5 water tenders, and 3 20-person hand crews. On the east side firefighters stopped the fire along 6 miles of a railroad, however there was one slop-over. Caldwell Fire. NPS photo by fire lookout Ranger Wendy from Schonchin Butte July 26, 2020.Firefighters conducted burn-out operations around the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center and around some residences in order to protect the facilities. Caldwell Fire, NPS photo by Ranger C. Orland, as seen from the park’s north entrance July 26 2020.Additional evacuations were ordered by the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.The area is under a Red Flag Warning Monday for gusty winds and low humidity.On Monday firefighters on the north side of the fire will prioritize protecting structures in the Tulelake area and construct both direct and indirect containment line. Crews west of the fire will continue work on the secondary containment lines between the fire and the Medicine Lake area. There are 16 helicopters available to assist with suppression efforts Monday.
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Author: Bill Gabbert
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