This is continuing coverage of a breaking news story. This post will be updated as new information becomes available.
Click here for updated evacuation info at www.zonehaven.com
Updated Wednesday, 6:40a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 735,064 Acres and 45% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone: Winds continued throughout the night keeping the fire active. Humidity levels did rise in areas of the fire reducing spotting except along the mid slopes where poor recoveries in the thermal belts were experienced. Smoke settled over the fire in the early morning hours, however, moderating fire activity. SW winds are again forecasted with temperatures in the 80s.
Certain evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings and certain warnings have been lifted allowing some residents to return to their homes and businesses. Returning residents are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant with regard to current fire conditions.
Residents may see smoke coming from trees and stumps for days following their return. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they are concerned
about any active flames near their homes or businesses rather than attempting to deal with such flames themselves.
Dixie Fire East Zone: On the east end of the fire there was a small slop-over between the road and Antelope Lake that firefighters were able to catch and line. Between Antelope Lake and Genesee Valley the fire continues to back down the slope towards the road. Yesterday dozers and crews worked at trying to stop southward progression by the Walker slop-over and were supported by aviation assets, they will continue line construction east today.
Late in the day the Grizzly fire produced two spot fires to the east between the Walker slop-over and the Grizzly spot and these were visible from Quincy. Overnight they grew together and are estimated to be around 500 acres in size and are connected to the the main spot. Today crews and aircraft will continue to work at in keeping the Grizzly spot from moving south and heavy machinery will work on indirect control lines down Grizzly Ridge.
An extensive plumbing operation was carried out in Taylorsville and hose lines and water have now been run to every house in the community. In Peters Creek work continued to improve and strengthen lines and mop-up. Structure preparation continues in the Five Bears and Ward Creek area. Firefighters continued to conduct heavy mop-up activity in the Dyer Mountain area to secure the line.
Updated Tuesday, 7:39a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command
Dixie Fire West Zone: Lower humidity allowed for burning conditions to remain active for most of the night, primarily in the heavy fuels. Smoke settled into the lower valleys moderating activity in the lighter fuels. Fire activity was mainly limited to ground fire and isolated torching outside of the firing operations. Considerably drier conditions were observed with relative humidity recoveries in the 50-60% for most areas.
Certain evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings and certain warnings have been lifted allowing some residents to return to their homes and businesses. Returning residents are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant with regard to current fire conditions. Residents may see smoke coming from trees and stumps for days following their return. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they are concerned about any active flames near their homes or businesses rather than attempting to deal with such flames themselves.
Dixie Fire East Zone: The eastern edge of the fire line in the Janesville/Milford areas continue to remain secure. Crews continued to do structure prep and add hose around the structures. Fire crews on the southern edge above Antelope Lake continue to work the fire’s edge all the way up the Boulder Ridge Road, securing the line and extinguishing heat along the way. In Genesee Valley, resources continue to mop up around structures. Firefighters
are holding the fire that has made its way down to the road while continuing to catch any spots or slops to secure it at the road. On the Walker slop, crews and dozers continue to make progress building direct line.
In Indian/Peters Creek, firefighters are going direct on the fires edge, mopping up and patrolling around all the structures. Last night PSD drones were used to moderate fire behavior as the fire made its way down the hill. Today, crews will continue to work prepping houses and minimizing any spread in and around Taylorville.
Additional water sources are being moved into Taylorsville. A contingency line above Taylorsville has been completed. Black Mtn Hotshots were able to start line on the southern end of the grizzly fire on the west side. The spot fire has not crossed Grizzly Ridge heading south. Dozers, feller bunchers, and masticators are working to construct and reinforce indirect lines on Grizzly Ridge. Additional contingency lines construction continues south of Grizzly Ridge.
Updated 6:03p.m. Fire Activity has led the California Highway Patrol to shut down County Road A-21. There is no estimated time for when these closures will be lifted. Please find alternate routes.
Updated 12:00p.m. Evacuation Order and Warnings Reduced for Some Areas
Residents should be aware that changing conditions in fire activity may cause this area to escalate back to a mandatory evacuation order at any time. If you have evacuated large animals and vehicles, please keep them out of the area.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been reduced to Evacuation Warnings for Residents only in the following areas:
- Janesville and Milford east (lake side) of Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mtn. Rd intersection south to the Flux Rd intersection – Zone LAS-E008-A and LAS-E011-A
- Janesville and Milford west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from the Bass Hill area south to Oak Tree Lane including Janesville side of Wingfield, Elysian Valley, & Bass Hill Rd – Zones LAS-E012 A-J LAS-E010-G&H
- Milford west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from Milford Grade south to the intersection of County Rd A26 Garnier Rd – Zones LAS-E009-A and E001-A
- Willard Creek Rd south of Hwy 36 and Korver Rd from Hwy 36 south to the fork or Korver Rd – Zones LAS-E016-A and E017-CEvacuation Warnings have been lifted for:
- Janesville and Milford east of Hwy 395 from A3/Standish Buntingville Rd south to the Thunder Mtn. Rd Intersection – Zones LAS-E013 and LAS-E011-B
- Milford east of Hwy 395 from the Flux Rd intersection south to County Rd A25 Herlong Junction intersection – Zone LAS-E008-B
Updated Monday, 7:21a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 725,821 Acres and 40% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: Fire remained active until after midnight. Smoke settled back over the fire in the early morning hours, reducing fire activity. Cooler weather and increasing humidity slowed rates of spread, with isolated torching still observed. Smoke settled back over the fire in the early morning hours. A much quieter weather patterns is shaping up for most of this week.
Crews continue mopping-up hot spots, and are working to strengthen control lines. Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely. Northern California has experienced large fire activity and will likely experience an extended fire season.
Dixie Fire East Zone: The eastern edge of the fire line towards Janesville area remains secure with crews on the ground continuing the mop up hot spots around the structures in Milford. On the southern edge above Antelope Lake, resources continue to work the fire’s edge to tie it into the Lake. On the western edge, they completed the dozer work and are continuing to secure the line, extinguishing heat along the way.
In Genesee Valley, resources continue to mop up around structures. Firefighters are engaging the fire that has made its way down to the road as they continue to catch any spots or slops to secure
it at the road. There are two spot fires on the south end of Genesee Valley. One is below the Grizzly Spot and will burn into it, the other has been contained in the creek. Today crews will work to minimize any spread moving towards homes.
Firefighters continue putting in direct and indirect line to cut off any additional eastern spread in the area. In Taylorsville/Peters Creek, firefighters are going direct on the fires edge, mopping up and patrolling around all the structures. A contingency line above Taylorsville is being constructed. Yesterday, the Beckworth Hotshot crew was able to complete handline down the eastern side of the Grizzly Spot. They will continue to work the western edge this morning.
Updated 12:00p.m. – Sheriff’s Office Announces that Evacuation Orders Have Been Reduced in Some Areas
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
- Janesville and Milford west of Hwy 395 from the Bass Hill area south to County Rd A26/Garnier Rd including Janesville side of Wingfield, Elysian Valley, & Bass Hill Rd.
- Janesville and Milford east of Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mtn. Rd intersection south to the Flux Rd intersection
- North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line east to Coppervale.
- The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to McCoy Flat including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area
- Susan River Canyon/Cheney Creek area south of Hwy 36 from Willard Hill east to Korver Rd and south to the intersection of Cheney Cr. Rd and Gold Run Rd.
- South of Hwy 36 east of Mtn Meadows Reservoir east to Devil’s Corral
ORDER Zones LAS- E027-A, E028, E029-A, E019, E018, E026, E017-A, E016-A, E012-ALL, E010-ALL, E009-A&b, E008-A&B, LAS-E001-A
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for:
- Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to the Willard Hill area
- Bizz Johnson Trail area south of Hwy 36 from Thumper Hill east to Miller Crossing and south to Bauer Rd
- South of Hwy 36 from Devil’s Corral east to Britt Ln and Thumper Hill and south to Cheney Creek Rd
- Janesville and Milford east of Hwy 395 from A3/Standish Buntingville Rd south to the Thunder Mtn. Rd Intersection
- Milford east of Hwy 395 from the Flux Rd intersection south to County Rd A25 Herlong Junction intersection
- Area south of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir
WARNING Zones LAS-E008-B, E011-B, E013, E016-B-D-E, E030-A&B, E023, E029-B, E027-B, E020
Updated Sunday, 7:19a.m. – Morning Update from Incident Command – 721,298 Acres and 37% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: While fire remained active for most of the night, increased humidity in the early morning hours slowed fire activity. Active
ground fire remained but did not threaten control lines. A much milder weather pattern is expected today and into the middle of next week. Crews continue working to strengthen control lines.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Red Flag conditions yesterday included increased winds out of the West and Southwest with gusts up to 30 mph. On the eastern edge of the fire near Milford, the fire crossed the line and winds quickly drove fire towards structures. Crews, equipment, and engines were in place to protect the community and minimize impacts. Assessments are ongoing.
Today, firefighters will continue to reinforce the lines and work to minimize any spread towards Milford. On the west side near the Janesville Grade, firefighters will use direct dozer lines to hold the fire perimeter in place. Spot fires continue to created challenging conditions. The southern edge continues to back down to the north end of the Walker fire scar, where crews are reinforcing the line at Boulder Road. In Genesee Valley firefighters continue to do structure prep and point protection as the fire continues to challenge the Genesee Valley Road.
Updated 5:45p.m. Highway 395 is now open in the area of the fire.
Updated 3:11p.m. Active fire burning in a new area along the highway has forced the California Highway Patrol to close a portion of Highway 395.
Only emergency traffic is being allowed between County Road A3 and A25. Only residents will be allowed between A3 and Janesville and between A25 and Highway 70.
Updated 3:04p.m. Message from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
“If you are sheltering in place in the area west of Hwy 395 from Janesville Grade south to Milford, you need to evacuate now. If you need assistance, call 530-257-6121. An emergency shelter is located at Lassen Community College. Deputies are going door to door to make notification.”
Updated Saturday, 7:30a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 714,219 Acres and 35% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: Slightly higher humidity overnight limited the fire activity somewhat. Active burning was still observed, but did not challenge control lines as much as during daytime hours. Mop-up continued along certain areas of the fire to mitigate any potential threat from weather.
Management teams continue to work together to share resources as needed when priority fire suppression is needed. Southwest winds will continue on Saturday, as another dry cold front moves across the region. Wind gusts are likely, along with enhanced fire weather concerns.
Northern California has experienced large fire activity and will likely experience an extended fire season. Fires burning in northern California are
exhibiting extreme fire growth based on critical fuel conditions. The prioritization of resources is always based on life, property, and natural
resources. Under these drought conditions, wildfires are burning rapidly with extreme severity and have traveled up to 8 miles in a single day.
Fire spread is fuel driven and does not depend on wind speed, as we have seen in previous years. Firefighters are experiencing conditions never seen before, such as increased spread rates, spotting and active nighttime burning. We coordinate very closely with the US Forest Service and CalOES for our local and out of state partners, to ensure resource availability.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Due to the wind switch yesterday, portions of the fire that were wind sheltered the previous two days became active and threatened control lines. The fire has moved downhill and spotted in multiple locations across Genesee Valley Road. All available resources are continuing point protection and aggressively defending lines previously created around homes.
The spot fire in the Devil’s Punchbowl was driven by intense winds and grew despite repeated retardant drops while conditions allowed for flights. The spot fire is inaccessible for firefighters to construct direct line. Dozers, feller bunchers, and masticators are working to construct and reinforce indirect lines on Grizzly Ridge.
Fixed and rotor wing aircraft supported crews on the eastern edge of the Janesville area and the fire line west of Milford is currently holding. On the northwest side, hand line and hoses are in place down the escarpment and direct dozer line is being constructed to connect with Boulder Road.
Updated Friday, 7:45a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 700,630 Acres and 35% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone: The Dixie Fire remained active overnight, with the dry air over the fire. Fire activity included both single and group tree torching along the active ground fire. Humidity values rose enough to limit fire progression in the early morning hours. Fuel moistures are historically low. Crews continue to strengthen control lines and mop up hot spots.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Aircraft with retardant, dozers, and crews maintained aggressive engagement on the portion of the fire near Janesville. Firefighters are being challenged by spots outside the line and steep, inaccessible terrain. Aircraft will be utilized today as weather and visibility allow. In an additional priority area, fire continues to back down the hill on the north side of Genesee Valley. All available resources are improving lines around structures and preparing to conduct point protection.
The spot fire in the Devil’s Punchbowl north of Grizzly Peak is on steep inaccessible terrain and remains in its current footprint of 30 to 40 acres after aerial retardant application. Dozers, feller bunchers, and other equipment are constructing line on Grizzly Ridge to prepare for any fire movement south of the spot fire.
Updated 7:03p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command – 699,666 Acres and 35% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone: Firefighters continue to build and bolster containment lines on the Dixie Fire. Fire remained active under northeast winds, with spotting and torching contributing to fire growth. Smoke from other fires nearby did limit activity in some places, but not enough to prevent additional growth.
Fuel moistures are historically low which is contributing to the critical fire behavior.
There are many considerations before allowing an area to be repopulated. A methodical, multi-pronged process of inspection and evaluation must be conducted to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the residents affected. This process includes guaranteeing roads are safe for travel and
basic utilities to infrastructure is secured. Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Dixie Fire East Zone: West Zone and East Zone crews, equipment, and aircraft have maintained aggressive engagement on the portion of the fire near Janesville. Along Honey Lake, the northern edge near fruit grower’s road has remained in its current footprint due to the continued northeasterly winds. Fire line was constructed on the south end from Highway 395 to the Walker fire scar.
In an additional priority area, rotary aircraft supported crews in the Genesee Valley this morning when they were able to fly. After aerial retardant application, the spot fire remains at approximately the same footprint of 30 to 40 acres and firefighters are constructing and reinforcing contingency lines to the south. The fire on the north side of Beckwourth Genesee Road is currently backing down the middle slopes and crews continue to construct lines to mitigate impacts to structures in the Genesee Valley.
Updated 6:23p.m. Photos by Tom Downing.
Updated Thursday, 7:36a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 678,369 Acres and 35% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: Fire continued to burn actively for most of the night due to lower humidity recoveries and the sustained winds. Persistent
spotting continued to be an issue as well. Very low fuel moistures and terrain-driven winds also contributed to continued overnight fire growth.
Dixie Fire East Zone: The fire near Janesville is growing rapidly in the dry sage and grassland fuel and both West Zone and East Zone crews and
equipment continue to respond. Downslope evening winds caused additional spotting and fire growth south of Beardsley-Grade Road. Additional resources from the West Zone have been shifted into the Genesee Valley as firefighters aggressively protect structures and conduct point protection.
In the Dyer Mountain area, resources continue to secure and mop up the perimeter line.
Direct line construction will continue in the area east of Westwood. The fire continues to be held on Fruit Growers Boulevard. All lines at Keddie Point and into the North Arm of Indian Valley are holding and will continue to be patrolled. Aircraft will be utilized today as weather and visibility allow.
Updated 8:31p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command – 662,647 Acres and 35% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: Fire activity increased today due to clearing smoke and northeast winds. With the change in wind direction, large column and pyrocumulus development occurred throughout the afternoon. Fire in steep topography was pushed by channeling winds, increasing the rate of spread.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Northwesterly winds have persisted on the East Zone with gusts up to 20 mph. Smoke from the north end of the Zone has blanketed the south end today. Aircraft is being used in support of the new fire perimeter near Janesville. Limited visibility has prevented the use of aircraft around Kessler Peak.
The fire is currently holding on Fruit Growers Boulevard where firefighters continue to work on securing the line and mopping up. Around the southeastern edge, the fire continues to make runs below Kesler Peak. Strike teams of engines from the West Zone were shifted into the Genesee Valley area to bolster resources that are continuing structure and point protection.
Updated 4:30p.m. Informational Meeting to be Held at 7:00p.m. for the Dixie Fire West Zone. Click here to watch on YouTube.
Updated 3:00p.m. Westwood Repopulation Cancelled
From the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office: “The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office made preliminary plans in cooperation with Cal Fire Incident Management Team 3 to repopulate Westwood as early as 3pm this afternoon. Unfortunately, fire activity has increased near Hamilton Mountain and it has been determined that conditions are unsafe for repopulation of that area at this time.”
“We will continue to keep the public updated as circumstances change. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.”
Updated Wednesday, 9:04a.m. – Morning Update from Incident Command – 635,728 Acres and 33% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: Shifting winds continued to challenge crews as short to mid-range spotting caused continued growth. Dry, cooler air pushed by east winds allowed the fire to burn throughout the night, with minimal recovery of humidity into the early morning hours. The fire growth continued to challenge control lines throughout the night.
Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Red flag weather and critically dry fuel conditions have led to continued movement of the fire front to the east and south yesterday afternoon and overnight. The fire has crossed to the south side of Beardsley Grade Road and has quickly progressed towards Kessler Peak. In the Dyer Mountain area, resources continue to secure and mop up the perimeter line with 100 to 150 foot depth in most area.
The fire is currently holding on Fruit Growers Boulevard where firefighters continue to work on securing the line and mopping up. All lines at Keddie Point and into the North Arm of Indian Valley are holding and will continue to be patrolled. The cold front passed over the East Zone of the fire at around 11 PM last night, causing winds to shift and come out of the northwest and then the northeast. Northeasterly winds are expected to persist today with gusts around 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.
Updated 11:06p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command – 626,751 Acres and 31% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: The Dixie Fire continued to progress to the east and south under windy, red flag conditions. Spotting, single and group tree torching all contributed to fire growth. Challenges to the control lines occurred in many divisions, as fuel conditions allowed for steady growth. A dry cold front will move across the incident tonight, shifting winds to the northwest, and eventually to the northeast.
Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Fire weather conditions were moderated due to smoke from the McFarland Fire in Trinity County. Wind gusts have reached 30 mph and relative humidity is still expected to drop with the approaching cold front. The Peter’s Creek area has had high fire activity and firefighters continued to actively work to hold the primary control line.
Currently, the fire has not crossed Fruit Growers Boulevard. Personnel, aircraft, and equipment are being utilized to augment and provide additional support to the West Zone where we have continued to have very active fire conditions in the Thompson Peak area.
Updated 3:32p.m. New Evacuation Order
NEW MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER has been issued West of Hwy 395 from Milford Grade south to the County Rd A26/Garnier Rd
Updated 11:35a.m. New Evacuation Orders from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
NEW MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for east of Hwy 395 from the Milford Grade intersection south to the Flux Rd intersection
NEW EVACUATION WARNINGS have been issued for:
- Lake Forest Estates and Eagle Lake Road A1 from Hwy 36 north to the County Access gate and east to Prattville Rd and north to Paiute Creek.
- West of Hwy 395 from the A25 Herlong Access Rd intersection south to the A26 Garnier Rd intersection
Updated Tuesday, 8:05a.m. – Morning Update from Incident Command 604,511 Acres and 31% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone: Intense fire activity continued into the evening hours under the influence of southwest winds. A significant change in the weather pattern occurred across the incident yesterday resulting in southwest winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph. A local Red Flag Warning will remain in effect until 11:00 p.m. tonight.
Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Dixie Fire East Zone: The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 11PM today due to the strong winds and low relative humidity. All lines at Keddie Point and into the North Arm of Indian Valley are holding and will continue to be patrolled. A spot fire started south of Peters Creek but firefighters were able to quickly contain it. Fire is established in Cheney Creek where West and East Zone personnel and equipment are actively working. Spots were also established in Mountain Meadow Reservoir but crews were able to use dozers for initial containment. Additional priorities for the East Zone include new containment lines to defend against the wind shift that could drive fire to the south.
Updated 7:10 Evacuation Summary from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
- East of Hwy 395 from Standish Buntingville Rd south to the Milford Grade intersection and north to Baxter Creek
Use A-3 as an exit route. Shelter is at Lassen College. If you need assistance evacuating call dispatch at 530-257-6121. - Bizz Johnson Trail area south of HWY 36 from Thumper Hill east to Miller Crossing and south to Bauer road.
- Janesville area west of Hwy 395 from the Bass Hill area south to Janesville Grade including the Janesville side of Wingfield Rd and west to the County Ln
- South of Hwy 36 from Devil’s Corral east to Britt Ln and Thumper Hill and south to Cheney Creek Rd
- Janesville west of Hwy 395 from Janesville Grade south to Milford Grade
- Susan River Canyon/Cheney Creek area south of Hwy 36 from Willard Hill east to Korver Rd and south to the intersection of Cheney Cr. Rd and dirt Gold Run Rd.
- Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to the Willard Hill area.
- North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line east to Coppervale.
- The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to McCoy Flat including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area.
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for:
- The area west of Richmond Rd and south of Hwy 36 from Thumper Hill east to S Weatherlow St and south to Gold Run Rd
- Diamond Mountain area from Forest Service Rd 29NO2 south to the Lassen County line
- West of Richmond Rd from Gold Run Rd south to Childrens Rd but not including roads immediately adjacent to the Golf Course
- East of Hwy 395 from Baxter Creek south of Sunnyside Rd not to include Sunnyside Rd south to the Herlong Access Rd A25
- West of Hwy 395 from Milford Grade to the intersection of Herlong Access Rd A25
- Area south of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir
ROAD CLOSURES:
- County Road A21 is closed to southbound traffic from Hwy 44
- Hwy 36 is closed west of the intersection of Hwy 44 and 36
- Hwy 44 is closed between the Lassen County line and Highway 36
Updated 5:32 New Mandatory Evacuations Issued
Updated 5:01p.m. New Mandatory Evacuations Issued for Janesville and Milford Areas
A NEW MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR Janesville west of Hwy 395 from Janesville Grade south to Mill St just before Milford Grade
Updated 4:26p.m. New Evacuation Warnings Issued
NEW EVACUATION WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR
-The area west of Richmond Rd and south of Hwy 36 from Thumper Hill east to South Weatherlow St and south to Gold Run Rd
-West of Richmond Rd from Gold Run Rd south to Childrens Rd but not including roads immediately adjacent to the Golf Course
Updated 3:58p.m. New Mandatory Evacuation Orders
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office has issued a new MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER for South of Hwy 36 from Devil’s Corral east to Britt Ln and Thumper Hill and south to Cheney Creek Rd
ALL PREVIOUSLY ISSUED EVACUATION WARNINGS AND ORDERS REMAIN IN PLACE
Go to community.zonehaven.com to find the status of your address
People under evacuation order should leave immediately. Call 530-257-6121. Drive slowly with headlights on. Shelter is at Lassen Community College 530-250-9004. Large animals can be taken to Lassen County Fairgrounds.
Updated Monday, 7:17a.m. – Morning Update from Incident Command – 569,707 Acres and 31% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone: The heavy smoke layer continued to dampen down fire activity overnight. Today, critical fire weather conditions exist. There is an anticipated wind event that will occur today over the fire area. Temperatures will be in the triple digits and winds are forecast to be WSW at 22 MPH with gusts up to 30 MPH.
Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Dixie Fire East Zone: All lines at Keddie Point and into the North Arm of Indian Valley are holding and are supported by additional firefighters and equipment resources. Fire continues to flank in the Peters Creek area and firefighters have completed prepping Beardsley-Grade Road to the south. The fire progressed to the south and east into the Walker fire scar and remains south of Fruit Growers Boulevard. Firing operations were conducted on Antelope Road to create a buffer in preparation for a south wind event.
Control lines continue to hold around Lone Rock and the fire has not progressed in the Sheep fire scar. The fire continues to flank near Coyote Peak and Hamilton Mountain and firefighters will be constructing indirect and contingency lines.
Firing operations around Dyer Mountain are ongoing and will continue into another night shift if conditions allow.
Updated 7:53p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command 570,211 Acres and 31% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone: Heavy smoke over the fire kept fire activity moderate throughout most of the day. Expect the fire activity to decrease through the late evening early morning hours. There is potential for crews to make progress on building containment lines and firing operations with increased relative humidity.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Due to the unstable atmosphere and the anticipated southwest winds, an Evacuation Warning was issued by the Lassen County Sheriff at 3:00p.m. The Evacuation Warning include the west side of Hwy 395 from Janesville Grade south to the Stuart Lane intersection and west of the Lassen County line. Crews are working to directly suppress a spot at Antelope Valley.
Heavy equipment, including dozers, has been relocated to the Antelope Valley from Hunt Canyon area. Progress continues at Dyer Mountain where thunderstorms are predicted.
Updated 6:39p.m. New Mandatory Evacuation Order
A NEW MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR Susan River Canyon/Cheney Creek area south of Hwy 36 from Willard Hill east to Korver Rd and south to the intersection of Cheney Cr. Rd and dirt Gold Run Rd.
NEW EVACUATION WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR
• South of Hwy 36 from Devil’s Corral east to Britt Ln and Thumper Hill and south to Cheney Creek Rd
• Diamond Mountain area from Forest Service Rd 29NO2 south to the Lassen County line
ALL PREVIOUSLY ISSUED ORDERS AND WARNINGS REMAIN IN PLACE
Updated 3:14p.m. – New Evacuation Warning for the Janesville Area
The emergency alert zone map can be accessed at: community.zonehaven.com
Due to an expected wind event this afternoon and into this evening, a New Evacuation Warning has been issued for:
West of Hwy 395 from Janesville Grade south to the Stuart Ln. intersection and west to the Lassen County line.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
- Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to the Willard Hill area.
- North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line east to Coppervale.
- The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to McCoy Flat including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area.
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for:
- Janesville area west of Hwy 395 from Bass Hill to Janesville Grade west to the Lassen County line including the area south of Bass Hill and the dirt portion of Wingfield Rd on the Janesville Side
- Area south of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir
Updated Sunday, 9:24a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command 554,816 Acres
Dixie Fire West Zone: Firefighters continue to build and improve containment lines on the Dixie Fire. Vegetation is extremely dry, and burning conditions are near critical. Fire behavior may consist of wind-driven surface fire, isolated torching, and spotting the next few days.
Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Existing fire lines that have been classified as contained continue to hold but are patrolled by day and night shifts. Based on fire activity and threats, the North Arm of Indian Valley remains a priority area for equipment resources and personnel assignments. Crews are also focused on structural protection to mitigate the threat to homes in Wilcox Valley.
Direct line construction is continuing from Dyer Mountain east to Mountain Meadow Reservoir. Firing operations to strengthen control lines began in the Dyer Mountain area but will take multiple night shifts to complete.
Updated 5:53p.m. Community Meeting at 7:00p.m. at Community Church
There will be an informational briefing and community meeting for the Dixie Fire West Zone tonight, August 14th, at 7:00.
The meeting will be held at the Community Church, 1400 Numa Road in Susanville.
Fire officials will update the community on the latest information regarding the Dixie Fire West Zone.
The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person. For those attending the meeting, social distancing is encouraged to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The meeting will also be made available online for those unable to attend in person. Dixie Fire West Zone Community Meeting (boxcast.tv)
Updated Saturday, August 14th, 8:07a.m. Morning Update from the Incident Command – 540,581 Acres
Dixie Fire West Zone: Fire activity continued well into the night with moderate rates of spread due to extremely dry fuels. A smoke inversion settled last night allowing for firefighters to construct direct line construction and improve existing control lines.
Damage assessment is ongoing, the amount of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely.
Triple digit temperatures will continue over the next few days.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Crews are focusing on structural protection to mitigate the threat to homes on Keddie Ridge and in Wilcox Valley. Fire activity increased around North Arm Road due to the thunderstorms. Additional priorities for line construction and improvement continue to support protection of the Janesville area. Outflow winds from thunderstorm cells created conditions that pushed the fire within the footprint of the 2007 Moonlight Fire.
Saturday remains a high-risk fire environment due to lingering thunderstorms and possible ground lightning strikes.
Updated 4:51p.m. Briefing and Community Meeting to be Held August 14th
An informational briefing and community meeting for the Dixie Fire West Zone will be held August 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Church,
1400 Numa Road, in Susanville.
The briefing will be held to update the community on the latest information regarding the Dixie Fire West Zone.
The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person. For those attending the meeting, social distancing is encouraged to limit the spread of COVID-19. The meeting will also be made available online for those unable to attend in person.
Updated 1:06p.m. Message from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
From the LCSO: “Due to unstable weather patterns moving into the region this afternoon and into late evening, we are asking the public to remain alert and watch for new or changing fire conditions. Go to www.readyforwildfire.com for information about how to prepare your loved ones, animals, and property for an evacuation. In these extreme conditions, every citizen should be prepared.”
Updated 9:00a.m. – Plumas County Sheriff’s Office – Chester Repopulation Put on Hold
From the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, “Effective 8:30 a.m. today, the plan to repopulate the following areas have been cancelled out of extreme caution to protect public safety. Overnight, there was an increase in fire activity with a number of spot fires from Johnson’s Grade CR A13 and the highway 36 corridor. Cancelled repopulation to Chester, Lake Almanor West and Prattville From all directions. This includes, Big Meadows, Rocky Point Campground, and the Canyon Dam Boat Launch.”
Updated Friday, August 13th, 7:48a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 517,945 Acres
Dixie Fire West Zone: The Dixie Fire continues to burn in remote areas with limited access. Crews are aggressively engaged in structure protection and perimeter control. Fiber optic cable damage is causing intermittent issues using 911 within Lassen County. Thunderstorms and triple digits are predicted in fire the area today.
Dixie Fire East Zone: Fire continues to back down on parts of Keddie Ridge and additional dozer line was constructed. Forty thousand gallons of ground-based retardant were applied for structure protection at the bottom of the ridge. Dozers continued to construct line in Wilcox Valley but were pushed further east due to fire intensity. Fire activity remains low in the limited fuels of the Sheep fire scar.
Updated 9:12p.m. Fire Related Phone Interruption
From the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office: “Due to Dixie Fire activity near County Road A21, we are experiencing intermittent interruptions to phone service in both the 911 call center and the non-emergency dispatch center. Please limit phone usage until full service can be restored. There is currently no estimate for restoration as telecom crews will need to assess damage once fire officials say it is safe to go into the area.
Updated 8:04p.m. Evening Update from the Incident Command 515,756 Acres and 31% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire activity remained moderate today on the Dixie Fire. Warm and dry conditions will continue through the end of the week. Sporadic isolated thunderstorms occurred within the fire area today but did not result in any new fire ignitions. Damage inspection teams continue working in areas where fire activity has diminished which could be reflected in the number of structures damaged or destroyed.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Thunder cells have developed over the region and some parts of the Dixie fire. Automatic rain gauges will update fire managers on the amount of moisture received later this evening. Outflows of air movement and erratic winds from these cells are leading to variable fire behavior depending on location. As crews were working this afternoon, weather updates were shared to alert them to the possible outflow of winds and risk of long-range spotting.
Updated 7:09p.m. The Dixie Fire has reportedly burned through a major communication line north of Westwood leaving many Honey Lake Valley residents without internet or cell phone service. This has also caused problems for many local businesses who are unable to process credit cards or access the internet.
Updated 11:30a.m. No Change to Evacuation Status – Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
According to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Westwood, Clear Creek and Pine Town areas are still under a Mandatory Evacuation Order until further notice. There is still an active fire threat surrounding that area.
Go to the following link for the emergency alert zone map and type in your address to determine the status of your location: community.zonehaven.com
Updated Thursday, 7:53a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 510,227 Acres and 30% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone – Overnight temperatures remained warm with low relative humidity recovery. An inversion kept smoke over the fire with pockets of clear sky. Windy conditions will remain in the area with high pressure building today and predicted thunderstorms. Crews will continue to reinforce control lines, aggressively mop up hotspots, and provide structure protection in the fire perimeter. Damage inspection teams continue to make progress surveying areas where fire activity has diminished. The number of damaged and destroyed structures reflected may change as teams continue to make progress.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Dozers were utilized to expand containment lines as the fire continues to back down at Keddie Ridge. Tactical firing operations were also conducted to reduce the threat to structures along Keddie Ridge and in Indian Valley. The afternoon peak in fire activity led to additional resources being assigned in and around Wilcox Valley. Due to the fire intensity there, firefighters were forced to pull out from direct attack but continued to construct indirect lines. The fire continues to slow down in the limited available fuels of the Sheep fire scar. Control lines are being constructed across the fire scar, connecting from Hamilton Mountain to near Lone Rock. Hoses are being added to the lines around Dyer Mountain as an additional tool in securing containment.
Updated Wednesday, 7:59a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 501,008 Acres and 30% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire remained active overnight due to minimal humidity recovery. Heavy smoke conditions reduced visibility in the fire area. High pressure continues to build over the incident and will be the dominant feature with predicted thunderstorms moving in this week. Forecasted winds will be southwest at 16 mph with a 15% cloud cover today.
Crews will continue to construct direct and indirect line to secure the fire perimeter, construct contingency lines in both zones, and provide structure defense in communities at risk.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Hotshot crews completed securing the perimeter at Silver Lake and the burn out at Rush Creek. In the Hunt Canyon area, containment lines down to Keddie Point were built and fire continued to hold. Direct line was implemented north of China Gulch and the fire is holding on the Lone Rock landscape.
Updated 7:33p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command – 490,205 Acres and 27% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone – Crews worked aggressively throughout the day to extinguish hot spots and improve containment lines. Heavy smoke settled in the area reducing visibility. High temperatures, gusty winds and dry vegetation still have the potential to fuel fire growth. Weather is forecasted to become hotter and dryer with isolated thunderstorms late in the week.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Crews encountered increased fire behavior in the northeast perimeter by Coyote Peak, China Gulch, and Dyer Mountain when temperatures rose, and the southwest afternoon winds returned. The ongoing drought experienced has contributed to tree and vegetation mortality, and increasing fire behavior. This weather pattern is expected to continue in the upcoming days as temperatures will reach triple digits with erratic winds and potential for dry thunderstorms.
Updated 8:36a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command 487,764 Acres and 25% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire remained active overnight due to low humidity recovery. Heavy smoke settled in the area reducing visibility. Southwest winds will average 16 mph with a 10% cloud cover. Fire behavior will be wind driven with fire growth to the northeast. Crews will continue to concentrate on structure defense, mopping up areas of probable concern, strengthening existing control lines, and focusing on multiple contingency lines. Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders are constantly changing, please see below for information affecting your area.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Crews experienced mild temperatures overnight with high relative humidity providing favorable conditions to continue reinforcing containment lines. At the Evans Peak and Buffalo Ranch area, firefighters were focused on suppression as fire behavior picked up from late afternoon. Smoky conditions returned in the early morning and limited visibility for crews.
Updated 6:44a.m. No Change to Lassen County Evacuations
The emergency alert zone map can be accessed at: community.zonehaven.com
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
• Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to Moonlight Ranch Rd – Zones LAS-E020 and LAS-E023
• Lassen National Forest south of Hwy 36 to the Lassen County line including Hamilton Mtn., Coyote Peak, and Indicator Peak – Zone LAS-E017
• Walker Lake area south of Moonlight Rd. – Zone LAS-E018-19
• Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale – LAS-E026
• North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line to A21 – Zone LAS-EO27
• South of Hwy. 44 from A21 to McCoy Flat – Zone LAS-E028
• North of Hwy. 36 east of A21 – Zone LAS-EO29
• The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to A21 including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area – Zone LAS-E031
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for:
• Janesville area west of Hwy 395 from Bass Hill to Janesville Grade west to the Lassen County line including the area south of Bass Hill and the dirt portion of Wingfield Rd on the Janesville Side – Zones LAS-E012 – A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I
• Area south of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zone LAS-E030
People who shelter in place in areas under evacuation order must stay in their homes. People roaming outside their property will be arrested.
ROAD CLOSURES:
• County Road A21 is closed to southbound traffic from Hwy 44
• Hwy 36 is closed west of the intersection of Hwy 44 and 36
Updated Tuesday 12:54a.m. Evening Update from Incident Command 482,047 Acres and 22% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Smoke was very slow to thin today hampering air operations. Fire behavior consisted of wind driven surface fire, isolated torching, and spotting due to critically low fuel moister. Hot temperatures are forecasted for this week with south west winds. Fire crews are aggressively building direct and indirect fire lines and utilizing control lines from previous fires.
Resources will continue to provide structure protection in communities at risk. Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders are constantly changing.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Fire became active as it was ventilated by SW wind gusts up to 20 mph in the China Gulch topography and slowed its progression in the Moonlight fire burn scar where the continuity of fuels decreased. Crews continued to fight fire aggressively, constructed direct and indirect line to secure the fire perimeter including dozer lines. Structure preparation continued in the Hamilton Mountain and Dyer Mountain areas.
Updated 8:24 Monday – Morning Update from Incident Command 489,287 Acres and 21% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire behavior remained active overnight with areas of clear sky, calm winds, and moderate recovery of relative humidity. The fire will have heavy smoke this morning with some thinning this afternoon. Southwest winds will be up to 17 mph with a 5% cloud cover. Crews will continue to fight fire aggressively, construct direct, and indirect line to secure the fire perimeter. All resources are committed to structure defense in affected communities. Evacuation Warnings and Mandatory Evacuation Orders are constantly changing.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Fire behavior overnight was moderate due to a smoke inversion although unlike previous inversions, smoke is expected to quickly move out of the area. Fire behavior is expected to increase with clear air and a warming trend that is forecasted to peak mid-week. Backing fire continued to move towards containment lines near China Gulch overnight. Fire behavior continues to be moderated in the existing fire scars so firefighters have focused on constructing and reinforcing containment lines bridging the Sheep and Walker fire scars.
Updated 7:43p.m. Evening Report on Conditions from the Incident Command 489,287 Acres and 21% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire activity increased today due to low relative humidity and strong southwest winds. Drought conditions are extreme in the region. Fire crews continue to construct and reinforce control lines. Damage Inspection teams will continue their assessments of critical infrastructure and key resources.
Dixie Fire East Zone – Fire behavior increased due to the lifting of the smoke inversion, warming temperatures, and low relative humidity that is forecasted to have a poor to moderate recovery overnight. More aggressive fire behavior and movement occurred in the area between the Walker and Sheep fire scars and fire managers are shifting personnel to this area.
Firefighters continued to make progress in securing lines in the area south of Westwood.
Updated 11:33a.m. Sheriff’s Office Issues Evacuation Warning for Janesville Area
The emergency alert zone map can be accessed at: community.zonehaven.com
New Evacuation Warnings issued for Janesville area west of Hwy 395 from Bass Hill to Janesville Grade west to the Lassen County line including the area south of Bass Hill and the dirt portion of Wingfield Rd on the Janesville Side – Zones LAS-E012 – A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I.
(An earlier release erroneously included Zone E012-F)
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
- Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to Moonlight Ranch Rd – Zones LAS-E020 and LAS-E023
- Lassen National Forest south of Hwy 36 to the Lassen County line including Hamilton Mtn., Coyote Peak, and Indicator Peak – Zone LAS-E017
- Walker Lake area south of Moonlight Rd. – Zone LAS-E018-19
- Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale – LAS-E026
- North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line to A21 – Zone LAS-EO27
- South of Hwy. 44 from A21 to McCoy Flat – Zone LAS-E028
- North of Hwy. 36 east of A21 – Zone LAS-EO29
- The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to A21 including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area – Zone LAS-E031
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for the area south of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zone LAS-E030
People who shelter in place in areas under evacuation order must stay in their homes. People roaming outside their property will be arrested.
ROAD CLOSURES:
• County Road A21 is closed to southbound traffic from Hwy 44
• Hwy 36 is closed west of the intersection of Hwy 44 and 36
Safety Message: People under evacuation order need to leave immediately. Those under warning who require assistance and those with pets and livestock should leave now. Use caution, drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. If you need assistance evacuating, call dispatch at 530-257-6121. An Emergency Shelter is located at Lassen High School on Main Street in Susanville. The Shelter number is (530) 250-9004. Large animals can be taken to the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Deputies will be going door to door to make notifications.
Updated 10:00a.m. Sunday, Morning Update from Incident Command – 463,477 Acres and 21% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire behavior overnight was moderate due to smoke inversion, warm temperatures, and poor relative humidity recoveries. Fuel moistures remain critical and historically low. Fire activity is expected to decrease through the morning hours.
Smoke shading from fires in the region will reduce fire intensity, increasing the potential for crews to make headway on building containment lines. Firefighters continue to provide structure defense and reinforce containment lines. Damage assessment is ongoing.
Dixie Fire East Zone –On the East Zone, overnight smoke significantly reduced visibility making driving hazardous for firefighting crews. Smoke
shading and higher relative humidity recovery have moderated fire activity along much of the line. However, clearing skies on the northeast perimeter on Moonlight Peak have led to more dynamic fire behavior with fire backing down the slope.
Crews attacked the fire direct and used heavy equipment to create containment. Firefighters will scout and verify containment and contingency lines along the fire perimeter to try to control the fire. Fire managers are shifting personnel to cover priority areas, including securing the line to protect homes in Crescent Mills and Hunt Valley, as well as cutting line, laying hoses and conducting strategic firing operations to defend Westwood.
Updated 9:26p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command 447,723 Acres and 21% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Smoke continued to drive the local weather pattern over the Dixie Fire today. High pressure aloft kept the fire environment stable. The smoke helped limit daytime heating, but the vegetation remains very receptive to embers. Small flare ups can contribute to spot fires across the control line. Firefighters continue to prepare and defend structures.
Crews will construct, reinforce, improve, mop up and patrol fire line. Damage assessment is ongoing.
Dixie Fire East Zone –On the East Zone, wildland firefighters took advantage of more moderate fire behavior today and capitalized on opportunities to safely engage directly along the fire’s edge. Crews dug handline and utilized engines and bulldozers on the north flank to keep the fire from reaching Dyer Mountain. The fire is slowing its advance northeast from Mountain Meadows around Moonlight Peak to Moonlight Valley.
The fire is burning within the 2007 Moonlight Fire scar, where fuels are lighter, but where there is a danger from hazard trees or snags that can fall without warning. Heavy equipment was used to build indirect line or contingency fuel breaks from Keddie Ridge to Hunt Canyon. Crews continue to secure the containment line west of Crescent Mills, where no structures have been impacted.
Firefighters did structure preparation in Taylorsville North Valley. Crews are also removing brush and preparing Diamond Mountain Road as a possible fuel break.
Updated Saturday, 7:14a.m. Morning Update from the Incident Command – 446,723 Acres and 21% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone –Fire activity overnight was minimal due to smoke inversion and better overnight relative humidity recovery; however, fuel moisture remains historically low and has caused difficulty in suppressing the fire spread.
Fire crews continue to provide structure defense throughout communities, constructing and reinforcing control lines, establishing new lines and improving old control lines. Damage assessment is ongoing.
Dixie Fire East Zone –The weather inversion continued overnight bringing cooler temperatures, better relative humidity recovery and calmer winds that significantly reduced fire behavior. Firefighters took advantage of the opportunity to safely engage directly along the fire perimeter. The fire slowed its advance northeast, as it is now burning in more sparse fuels within the 2007 Moonlight Fire scar.
Crews finished priority strategic firing operations overnight to keep the fire west of Crescent Mills. Today, slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected to persist allowing firefighters an opportunity to scout ahead for contingency line locations in the Dyer Mountain area.
Firefighters completed structure protection efforts including assessing homes, laying hose and staging pumps from Lake Almanor to Westwood. Crews are making progress towards containment on the spot fire near Lone Rock that is now estimated at roughly 80 acres.
Updated 7:14p.m. Evening Update from the Incident Command – 434,813 Acres and 21% Contained
Dixie Fire West Zone –There was a change in the weather pattern today, as smoke lingered over the region, changing the fire environment. Temperatures were cooler, especially in smoky areas, and relative humidity is expected to trend higher. Fire behavior is expected to be moderated by smoke from this and other fires. Although this may reduce large runs and spotting, there will still be active fire behavior.
Dry fuels are creating serious resistance to control. Fire crews continue to provide structure defense, construct, and improve fire line, mop up and patrol. Damage assessment teams are in place, assessing damages, in areas where fire activity has diminished.
Dixie Fire East Zone –Today’s weather inversion moderated fire behavior. The fire is now burning northeast into the 2020 Sheep Fire scar. Firefighters assessed homes, laid hose and staged sprinklers along State Route 147, along the east shore of Lake Almanor, in Clear Creek and in Westwood to protect structures should the fire spread further north. Crews also went direct along the fireline and used heavy equipment to keep the fire south of Dyer Mountain.
Firefighters were able to build upon overnight strategic firing operations to keep the fire west of Crescent Mills. Crews feel confident they will be able to contain a roughly 50-acre spot fire on Lone Rock, which is burning into sparse fuels surrounded by roads that provide a natural barrier.
Updated 9:35a.m. Sheriff’s Office Issues Expanded Mandatory Evacuations
New Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for:
- Lassen National Forest south of Hwy 36 to the Lassen County line including Hamilton Mtn., Coyote Peak, and Indicator Peak – Zone LAS-E017
- North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line to A21 – Zone LAS-EO27
- South of Hwy. 44 from A21 to McCoy Flat – Zone LAS-E028
- North of Hwy. 36 east of A21 – Zone LAS-EO29
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
- Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to Moonlight Ranch Rd – Zones LAS-E020 and LAS-E023
- Walker Lake area north of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Moonlight Rd. – Zone E018
- The unpopulated area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line – Zone LAS-E019
- Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale – Zone LAS-E026
- The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to A21 including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area – Zone LAS-E031
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for:
- South of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zone LAS-E030
Updated 7:30a.m. Friday Morning Update from Incident Command – 432,813 Acres with 35% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone –The Dixie Fire remained very active overnight with warm temperatures, poor relative humidity recoveries, and strong overnight winds fueling fire behavior. The fire continues to move towards control lines, burning unburned interior islands and ridges. Steep terrain, heavy fuel loading, spot fires, and wind in alignment with canyons is making control difficult.
The fire is expected to remain active in the morning hours. The valleys will see better relative humidity recovery today, which will enable crews to make headway on building containment lines. Damage assessment teams are assessing the fire area.
Dixie Fire East Zone – On the East Zone, the fast-moving fire has reached the southern shore of Mountain Meadows Reservoir and was expected to remain active and dynamic overnight with flanking, tree group torching and fire running along the crowns of treetops. Priorities for wildland firefighters were preservation of human life and utilizing engines, hand crews and bulldozers to control spot fires in the Canyon Dam area, provide structure protection along the east shore of Lake Almanor, the community of Crescent Mills and the remaining homes in Greenville.
Fire Managers are also strategizing tactics to protect cultural resources, critical infrastructure, and private property in the path of possible future fire growth near State Route 44 around Peninsula Village, as far east as Greenhorn. Multiple additional resources, which will help with the implementation of these strategies, have been ordered and we are awaiting their arrival.
Dixie Fire Thursday evening update video briefing
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for:
- Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to Moonlight Ranch Rd – Zones LAS-E020 and LAS-E023
- Walker Lake area north of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Moonlight Rd. – Zone E018
- The unpopulated area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line – Zone LAS-E019.
- Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale – Zone LAS-E026
- The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to A21 including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area – Zone LAS-E031
People who shelter in place in areas under evacuation order must stay in their homes. People roaming outside their property will be arrested.
Evacuation Warnings remain in place for:
- Lassen National Forest south of Hwy 36 to the Lassen County line including Hamilton Mtn., Coyote Peak, and Indicator Peak – Zone LAS-E017
- North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line to A21 – Zone LAS-EO27
- South of Hwy. 44 from A21 to McCoy Flat – Zone LAS-E028
- North of Hwy. 36 east of A21 – Zone LAS-EO29
- South of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zone LAS-E030
The emergency alert zone map can be accessed at: community.zonehaven.com
Road Closures
• County Road A21 is closed due to fire
• Hwy 36 is closed west of the Hwy 44 junction
Safety Message: People under evacuation order need to leave immediately. Those under warning who require assistance and those with pets and livestock should leave now. Use caution, drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. If you need assistance evacuating, call dispatch at 530-257-6121. An Emergency Shelter is located at Lassen High School on Main Street in Susanville. The Shelter number is (530) 250-9004. Large animals can be taken to the Lassen County Fairgrounds.
Lassen Municipal Utility District De-Energizes Westwood Power Grid
From LMUD spokesperson Theresa Phillips; “In order to protect emergency personnel and those fighting the Dixie fire, LMUD has de-energized power to Westwood and Coppervale. This will remain in effect until we are given the all-clear from fire officials.”
Emergency Evacuation Shelters Opened at Lassen College and Lassen High School
Due to the ongoing mandatory evacuation orders in Plumas and Lassen Counties, the following shelter sites have been established:
- Lassen Community College 478-200 CA-139, Susanville, CA Emergency Shelter Line (530) 250-9004
- Lassen High School 1110 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130 Emergency Shelter Line (530) 250-9004
In order to receive shelter services and usage of available facilities, registration is required. We are requesting that anyone arriving at the shelter bring their medication and medical equipment (walkers, breathing machines, etc.), clothing for multiple days, and important papers such as insurance cards.
Please keep in mind all weapons, drugs, alcohol and personal bedding are not permitted at the shelter.
Animals needing shelter can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Liability, feed, security, and care of animals housed at the Fairgrounds are the sole responsibility of the animal’s owner. Check-in will be available at the Fair Office during normal business hours. If you have any questions about animal sheltering, please contact Fair Manager, Kaitlyn Downing at (530) 588-8627.
This is continuing coverage of a breaking news story on SusanvilleStuff. This post will be updated as new information becomes available.
