YREKA, Calif. -- The Klamathon Fire continues to rage across northern California and Jackson County. So far one person has died and a fire fighter has been badly burned. It is threatening about 560 structures and 15 are already destroyed.

There is an emergency shelter open at Jackson Street Elementary School in Yreka for those who have evacuated. Right now, evacuees are all coming together trying to get through the uncertainty, stress and anxiety as they wait to hear if they will have homes to go back to. The quiet towns of Hornbrook and Hilt and now covered in the sounds of helicopters and air tankers. Hundreds of people have been told to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

"I got a recorded telephone call from the sheriff to evacuate immediately and it was the first time that anyone had said that my area was even thinking about being evacuated," said evacuee Lori Edwards.

Some have stayed in their homes. Some are staying with other family and friends. Nearly 70 people have taken refuge at the shelter at Jackson Street Elementary School in Yreka.

"I left the house in about 10 minutes and I remembered my pillow and my medicine but I was in a nighty so I’m glad that the Goodwill people brought some extra clothes," Edwards added.

Gina Crippa got the evacuation notice from the former owners of her ranch in Hornbrook. She was also texting her neighbors.
"They had informed me that they had gotten the evacuation notice so they said you’ve just got a few minutes. Pack your bags and follow us. They said you’re not alone which was wonderful," Crippa added.

Those who have left their homes aren't allowed to go back in as of Saturday. There's no word on when evacuees like Lori and Gina will actually be allowed back in.