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Newcastle residents can return home as fire burns near I-80

The Placer County Sheriff's Office temporarily evacuated the area for a fire burning the area of I-80 and Newcastle Road.
Credit: Tegna

NEWCASTLE, Calif. — The Placer County Sheriff's Office is letting residents return to their homes in Newcastle after evacuating due to a fire.

The sheriff's office said in a Facebook post that fire crews are fighting a fire in the area of Interstate 80 and Newcastle Road. Residents within a mile of that area were asked to gather their pets and essentials and evacuate the area.

Roughly 20 minutes later, the sheriff's office lifted the evacuations. The sheriff's off went on to say residents should be patient as there are still traffic issues in the area.

WILDFIRE PREPS

According to Cal Fire, 2020 was one of the most severe fire seasons on record as 9,917 wildfires burned 4.2 million acres. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, and 31 people (civilians and firefighters) were killed. 

California also experienced its first "Gigafire" because of the August Complex Fire, burning over 1 million acres by itself. Four of California's top five largest wildfires in state history happened in 2020. 

If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.

WATCH: What you need to know to prepare, stay safe for wildfires

The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.

Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts. 

Read more: Are you wildfire ready? Here's what to do to prepare for fire season.

PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.

WATCH MORE FROM ABC10: Rural Yuba County sees new fire pop up | Wildfire Update

Stay with ABC10 for the latest updates on the Frenchtown, Tamarack, and Dixie Fires. 

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