Here is your Monday afternoon report on conditions from the Rush Fire burning north of Wendel.
According to today’s update from fire officials, Sunday was a very good day for firefighters on the Rush fire. In spite of winds gusting over 30 miles per hour and low humidity, crews, engines, and helicopters were able to continue holding the fire to its current perimeter.
Overnight infrared aerial mapping found the northeast flank of the fire still has significant heat. This part of the Rush fire is in Nevada, about 25 miles northeast and east of Ravendale, Calif., near SOB, Garden, and Burnt lakes, the Buffalo Hills, Antelope Basin, and Cottonwood Creek.
Monday’s weather promises continued windy conditions in the afternoon and evening, with winds only a bit less than on Sunday.
A red-flag warning is expected for Tuesday, as winds could gust to 35 miles per hour. Winds and extremely dry vegetation mean that any new fire would spread rapidly, but firefighters are prepared. A lookout at Observation Peak along with aircraft will keep an eye out for any new fires.
On Monday, firefighters will continue mop up and holding actions in the northeast. Others will make needed repairs in the southern part of the fire. Repair work has already been completed for the southern two-thirds of the fire line.
About two-thirds of the firefighting forces are now based around the northeast flank of the fire, with about one-third based near Susanville.
With more precise mapping with global-positioning equipment, officials now say the fire has burned 318,400 acres in California and Nevada.
Area and Road Closures in Effect: Public lands bounded by Highway 395 on the west, the Sand Pass road and Nevada 447 on the east, the Wendel Road on the south, and Juniper Ridge road to Buckhorn road on the north are closed. The Buffalo Meadows road in Washoe Co., Nev., is also closed. The Ramhorn Springs and Dodge Reservoir campgrounds remain closed.
Remarks: NOTE: Use of chainsaws on public lands managed by BLM in northeast California and far northwestern Nevada is suspended because of extreme fire danger. Fire officials remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions are in effect for public lands and national forests in northeast California and far northwest Nevada. Campfires are permitted only in posted recreation sites.
- Committed Resources: 753 people
- Fuels: Fire is burning sagebrush, juniper, and grass
- Structures Threatened: 39 (20 residences; 1 commercial; 18 outbuildings)
- Estimated Size: est. 318,400 acres (273,248 acres in California and 42,844 acres in Nevada)
- Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 1 (barn)
- Containment: 69%
- Injuries: 3 minor
A note for our readers who are LMUD customers – Due to the unstable nature of PG&E’s Caribou transmission line LMUD will be operating off of Honey Lake Power for the duration of the Plumas County Chips Fire. LMUD is asking that all customers conserve energy by unplugging or turning off all non-essential household equipment and appliances.
Rush Fire, Lassen County
