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Red flag conditions test lines on Mountain Fire By Dave Smigelski Updated: Sep 06, 2022 02:08 PM A A 91 structures confirmed destroyed by Mill Fire A bulldozer works to build a line on the Mountain Fire as flames approach. [Cal Fire photo] The Mountain Fire burning in Siskiyou County, California, was up to 11,690 acres and 20% containment Tuesday, and firefighters were preparing for their lines to be tested by red flag conditions. The weather forecast Tuesday called for temperatures in the 100s, with single-digit humidity and winds exceeding 20 mph. “We have line around the entire fire, but we are not out of the woods yet,” said Jeff Loveless, operations section chief for Cal Fire Siskiyou Unit. “We still have a lot of work to do out there, and all of the lines will be tested,” he said. The Mountain Fire started Friday afternoon, three hours after the Mill Fire started burning down houses in Weed 11 miles to the east. Causes of both blazes remain under investigation. As of Tuesday, two structures were reported to have been destroyed by the Mountain Fire, which is burning in steep, rugged country. Fifty-nine people remained evacuated due to the Mountain Fire Tuesday. On the Mill Fire, which tore through residential areas in Weed and Lake Shastina, 91 structures were confirmed destroyed and 17 were damaged as of Tuesday, though damage assessments were continuing as crews worked to tally the extent of the destruction. Power was still out in areas of the county Tuesday, and phone service was intermittent. As of Tuesday, 2,593 people remained evacuated due to the Mill Fire. Jon Ray, the principal/superintendent at Weed Elementary School, said Tuesday the school would reopen Wednesday, but attendance was not mandatory. “Due to a lack of power for our entire campus and most of our community, we must remain shut for Tuesday, Sept. 6,” Ray wrote on the school website. “Beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 7, we will be open to serve students, but the next few days will not be typical school days.” The school will be open Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. “We will not be focusing on academics,” Ray wrote. The purpose of opening the school is to provide a safe, child-friendly environment; provide an option for parents (including many staff members), so they can coordinate their next steps; provide social/emotional support for families; and provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reach Mail Tribune Editor-in-Chief David Smigelski at 541-776-4484 or [email protected].