Today firefighters have continued to make progress on the lightning fires in the Gold Complex on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District and Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District.
The Mill Fire, located near Whitehawk Ranch, is estimated to be approximately 2,300 acres this evening. All three fires are now merged into one. While most of the fire is on the Beckwourth Ranger District, a small portion is burning on the Sierraville Ranger District.
Firefighters made good progress today along the north side of the fire. This area is the top priority for community protection, with structures at the greatest risk. Work will continue tonight.
The Smith Fire, burning north of California State Highway 70 between Smith Peak and Maybe, is holding at approximately 50 acres. Today firefighters secured the fireline and are working on mop-up.
There is not estimated containment for the Mill or Smith fires tonight.
Both the Plumas and Tahoe national forests implemented closure orders today for National Forest System lands north and east of California State Highway 89, South of State Highway 70 and east of County Road A23.
These closures are for public and firefighter safety due to active fire behavior and as wildland firefighting operations continue. They are referenced as Plumas National Forest Order 05-11-01-24-02 and Tahoe National Forest Order 17-24-15.
Evacuations remain in place and could increase depending on fire growth and behavior.
Both Plumas County and Sierra County Sheriffs are responsible for and sharing evacuation information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriff and www.facebook.com/sierracosheriff.
This is an interagency effort, with multiple engines, firefighting crews, dozers and aircraft fighting the fires with more resources on order, including from Cal Fire and other agencies. An incident management team is expected to take command of the fire tomorrow morning.
Residents in the affected communities are asked to help by being aware, complying with evacuation orders and allowing firefighters to focus on fire suppression and community protection.
Thanks!
- Tamara
Tamara Schmidt
Public Affairs Officer
The Mill Fire, located near Whitehawk Ranch, is estimated to be approximately 2,300 acres this evening. All three fires are now merged into one. While most of the fire is on the Beckwourth Ranger District, a small portion is burning on the Sierraville Ranger District.
Firefighters made good progress today along the north side of the fire. This area is the top priority for community protection, with structures at the greatest risk. Work will continue tonight.
The Smith Fire, burning north of California State Highway 70 between Smith Peak and Maybe, is holding at approximately 50 acres. Today firefighters secured the fireline and are working on mop-up.
There is not estimated containment for the Mill or Smith fires tonight.
Both the Plumas and Tahoe national forests implemented closure orders today for National Forest System lands north and east of California State Highway 89, South of State Highway 70 and east of County Road A23.
These closures are for public and firefighter safety due to active fire behavior and as wildland firefighting operations continue. They are referenced as Plumas National Forest Order 05-11-01-24-02 and Tahoe National Forest Order 17-24-15.
Evacuations remain in place and could increase depending on fire growth and behavior.
Both Plumas County and Sierra County Sheriffs are responsible for and sharing evacuation information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriff and www.facebook.com/sierracosheriff.
This is an interagency effort, with multiple engines, firefighting crews, dozers and aircraft fighting the fires with more resources on order, including from Cal Fire and other agencies. An incident management team is expected to take command of the fire tomorrow morning.
Residents in the affected communities are asked to help by being aware, complying with evacuation orders and allowing firefighters to focus on fire suppression and community protection.
Thanks!
- Tamara
Tamara Schmidt
Public Affairs Officer