Stretch of I-5 will remain closed until at least Sunday because of Delta Fire

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Saturday, September 8, 2018
I-5 closed until at least Sunday because of Delta Fire
Caltrans told ABC7 News the earliest Interstate 5 could reopen is Sunday because of the fire, which has burned more than 31,000 acres in Shasta County and is 0 percent contained.

REDDING, Calif. (KGO) -- Developing news on Friday night in Shasta County, where the Delta Fire is still raging.

Caltrans told ABC7 News the earliest Interstate 5 could reopen is on Sunday.

VIDEO: 'I might die here': Videos show drivers escaping wildfire on I-5 in Shasta County near Redding

Flames are on both sides of the roadway, forcing the closure of a nearly 50-mile stretch.

The fire has now burned more than 31,000 acres and is 0 percent contained.

Caltrans said it needs to replace guard rails, signs and fix the pavement.

VIDEO: Woman grateful to be alive after fleeing Shasta Co. wildfire

There's also another big problem: burned trees.

"You have these big conifer trees. They get burned...they'll just snap in wind storms and we just can't have that, certainly on an interstate," said Caltrans District 2 Deputy Director Don Anderson.

Caltrans estimated several million dollars in business is being lost each day due to the closure because trucks cannot get through.

Get the latest stories and videos on wildfires burning across California, here.

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Hummer Estes watches a helicopter battling the Hat Fire, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Fall River Mills, Calif.
John Locher/AP Photo