The greatest threat came from the Salt Fire, which broke out Wednesday near a freeway and destroyed 41 buildings, including 27 homes, in a rural area north of Redding. As of Saturday morning, it had grown to nearly 12 square miles (30 square kilometers) and was only 5% contained.
All lanes of Interstate 5 are open, but they remain under threat, Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials said in an email Saturday.
Highs in the area this weekend were expected to hit the mid-to-upper 90s despite a slight chance of morning thunderstorms. Those storms could cause erratic winds that may complicate firefighting. National Weather Service forecasters also warned that some areas could see late afternoon gusts that could fan flames.
Firefighters battle destructive blazes in California
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Salt Fire north of Redding destroys 27 homes, 14 outbuildings
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