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American Morning

California Fire Forces Residents To Evacuate

Aired August 29, 2001 - 11:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: A fast-moving wildfire has hundreds of people in a small California town on the run today. Right now, about 1,000 folks have been evacuated from their homes in Weaverville, in northern California. That's about half the town's population we hear.

The flames have destroyed as many as 20 homes. Also evacuated, Weaverville's hospital and jail. And schools have canceled classes there as well. About 500 firefighters are battling the flames.

But there is one bit of good news. The fire was approaching Weaverville's historic district, but firefighters were able to divert those flames.

Let's go to the phone and get the latest on the Weaverville fire. Joining us now is Jason Martin, he's with the California Department of Foresty in Redding, California.

Jason, what's the latest word?

JASON MARTIN, CALIFORNIA DEPT. OF FORESTRY: The latest so far, we're looking at 1948 acres. There is a 15 percent containment. We're just keeping our fingers crossed that the winds stay calm. They really fueled the fire last night, and really hampered the efforts of the firefighters.

HARRIS: Now, that 1948 acres, is that an increase, decrease, holding steady or what?

MARTIN: That's basically holding steady. The fire kind of laid down last night as the winds decreased, and so it -- that's the latest report that we have, is 1948.

HARRIS: All right. So what's the latest on the folks in Weaverville? Any more going to be evacuated?

MARTIN: It's hard to say. It all depends upon the winds. Hopefully the winds stay calm. We have heard that the winds are going to pick up again by the afternoon. But we're hoping that -- we're trying to stay positive that that's not going to happen.

HARRIS: Yes. I think the last report we had said something about 20 structures being damaged. Do you have any updated numbers on those? MARTIN: The numbers that we have, we have 9 homes and 3 RVs. But due to the awesome work of those firefighter out there, they've saved over 200 structures.

HARRIS: That is fantastic.

MARTIN: Yes, definitely.

HARRIS: That's great. What about injuries, have you had any reports of those to anybody?

MARTIN: No injuries, no injuries. Yes, everything -- just the houses have been lost. But no loss of life and no injury to report.

HARRIS: That's the best news there.

MARTIN: Definitely.

HARRIS: And how are you fixed for resources? Are you set to handle this whole fire? Are you going to need help or what?

MARTIN: There's -- we're looking at 722 right now, and there are quite a few on their way up. Up around the number of 500 on the way. Now that the sun came up, the tankers -- we have 6 helicopters and 8 air tankers out there to hit it hard and heavy. And hopefully they can take the heat out of the fire, so to speak, before the winds kick up again.

HARRIS: Well, we're sure wishing you luck. Jason Martin, thank you very much for the update. We appreciate that. Jason Martin with the California Department of Forestry.

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