The whole state of California from San Diego County up to the California-Oregon border has either seen the face of fire or its shadow, smoke. The Carr Fire has burned through more than 170,000 acres of land, evacuated residents and impacted farm operations in Northern California.
In Shasta County, the Carr Fire caused immediate and long-term ramifications, according to Shasta County Ag Commissioner Paul Kjos. Kjos and others have only been able to examine the northern part of the county as Cal Fire has worked to contain the fire and has deemed certain areas safe to asses. While making those assessments, the ag commissioner witnessed devastation to local apiaries. Beehives were burned to ashes. Though it’s still unclear if beekeepers were able to move their colonies away from the blaze in time, Kjos said there were signs of many destroyed hives.
In the southern part of the county, Kjos is anticipating damage to rangeland, ag structures, and fencing, if not already gone. Fortunately, he hasn’t heard of any cattle being harmed by the fire. The cattle normally spend this time of year at higher elevations and will make their way back down the hills during fall. Due to the fire, they might not have any food to graze, though, he added.
Kjos encourages anyone in the county who has been affected by the fire to contact the ag commissioner’s office in order to get a clear representation of the damage. “We’re trying to get a hold of everybody we can,” Kjos said. “Any ag producer in Shasta County or Trinity County that had losses, whether it be apiary or cattle or some other livestock, or rangeland or fence or other structure… the more information we get in, the better picture we can provide to the farm service agency.” He also encouraged folks who have been impacted to check with their local farm service agency regarding programs that provide resources and emergency assistance.
Listen to the full interview below.