Staff member houses 150 animals evacuated from Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding

A bobcat at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California, July 2, 2016. A bobcat at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California, July 2, 2016. Photo: Max Whittaker, Special To The Chronicle Photo: Max Whittaker, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 80 Caption Close Staff member houses 150 animals evacuated from Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding 1 / 80 Back to Gallery

Turtle Bay Exploration Park shut its doors Friday and about 150 animals as the Carr Fire threatened to encroach on the sanctuary.

The Redding park's animals, artifacts, art and museum were safe as of Friday afternoon. Turtle Bay spokesperson Seth McGaha said the animals are being kept at a staff member's home. He said flames have yet to reach the park.

"We are closed today to keep roads clear and for our friends and families that have been impacted by the Carr Fire," a message on the park's website said.

READ ALSO: Time-lapse footage shows massive tornado of smoke, fire approach iconic Sundial Bridge

The Carr Fire has destroyed 65 structures and damaged an additional 55 since it broke out Monday, and threatens nearly 5,000 homes, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. Two firefighters fighting the blaze have died.

"TERRIFYING": Fierce winds propelling Carr Fire spawn "fire tornadoes"

The Sundial Bridge, which connects to the 300-acre sanctuary and botanic gardens, was also closed Friday due to ash and debris from the inferno.

The wildfire, one of a dozen currently burning in California, was 3-percent contained as of Friday morning. Thousands of people in and near Redding were ordered to evacuate as the flames pushed into the northwestern portion of the city late Thursday night.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.