TEMPERATURES FINALLY BELOW 100! The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 15
RECORD Alturas, California
July 11, 2024
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
16 Pages
District’s Public Affairs Officer. “We are asking the public to please be careful anytime you’re doing anything outdoors. Yard work, driving or camping for example. Be aware, don’t park over dry grass or brush. Fire safety has to be top of mind, especially in this heat.” Evacuation orders were lifted at 8 p.m. Monday evening however, West
Valley Road will remain closed at this time. As of 7 o’clock Tuesday morning, containment efforts have increased to 50 percent and the Modoc County Sheriff’s office is urging the public to please slow down and take caution, as there is still increased traffic from fire personnel.
North Fire Burns Over 4,000 Acres
Photo by Christina Charter The BLM Northern California District, with support from U.S. Forest Service and CalFire crews responded to a fire in Likely, Ca on Sunday July 7th. The fire originally started off Highway 395 at around 3:49 p.m. and quickly burned east fueled by high temperatures and the afternoon winds. By 6 o’clock Monday morning it had consumed an
Photo by Daree Grier estimated 4,389 acres and containment efforts had reached 45 percent. Evacuation orders were given just before 7 p.m. on Sunday for around 50 residences on County Road 64 (Jess Valley Road), including those east of West Valley cut off, Juniper Acres, as well as residents in the Mill Creek Falls campground and Soup Springs campground
areas. The West Valley boating access sites were also closed to the public, as fire suppression aircraft are utilizing water from the reservoir. Fortunately, no structures have been reported damaged or involved in the fire at this time. A team of 200 personnel is currently working on containment operations using dozers and the
natural rocky landscape to construct fire lines, aiming to halt the fire’s advance. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, with updates provided regularly as the situation develops. “Our crews are making great progress getting containment on this fire”, said Jeff Fontana, the BLM Northern California
Alley Fire sparks debate in Modoc Despite heightened concerns from citizens regarding fireworks over the past week, the Alturas Fire Department responded to only one fire-related call within the community. A fire occurred in an alley behind Maple St. The Alturas Fire Department was unable to confirm what the cause of the fire in our community started
although neighbors believe it was due to fireworks. The homeowner of the residence was in the hospital at the time of the fire unable to access the home and belongings but luckily a loved one was able to get over to the fire and gather his animals. Fire Marshal, Eric Hunter is still investigating the damage and does not have an update at this time.
Leading up to the holiday and the events that followed, multiple residents expressed apprehension about potential fire risks associated with fireworks displays. The minimal incidents reported by the Alturas Fire Department demonstrates the success of proactive safety measures and community awareness initiatives. As
temperatures continue to rise residents are encouraged to prioritize safety and cooperation to maintain a resilient and secure community environment. Alturas Rural Fire Department had been contacted multiple times for comment but were unable to get a hold of at this time.
Two Arrested in Alturas for Drug Charges and Stolen Vehicle Modoc County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two individuals early Sunday morning after a traffic stop for expired registration that led to the discovery of drugs, driver with felony warrant and a stolen vehicle. At approximately 4:40 a.m. on July 7, deputies stopped a vehicle in the City of Alturas and identified the driver as Arthur Craig Valenzuela, 63, of Van Nuys, California. Valenzuela had a felony warrant for his arrest out of Los Angeles County for violating the terms and conditions of his Post Release Community Supervision. According to the District
Attorney’s Office, Valenzuela has been unable to be found since 2021 making his arrest a big accomplishment for our Sheriff’s Office. Alicia Marie Messoria, 48, of Cedarville, California, a passenger in the vehicle, was found in possession of approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had a fraudulent license plate and the vehicle had been reported stolen. Both Valenzuela and Messoria were arrested and booked into the Modoc County Jail. Valenzuela was booked for possession of a stolen
vehicle, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and on his warrant for violation of his Post Release Community Supervision terms and conditions. Valenzuela is being held on $110,000 bail. Messoria was charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale, transporting a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on $26,000 bail. Valenzuela and Messoria are expected to be arraigned on their charges Tuesday.
Photo of Valenzuela provided by Modoc County Sheriff’s Office