This story has been archived as of August 6th at 8:00a.m. Newer coverage of the Dixie Fire can be found at this link on SusanvilleStuff. This post will no longer be updated and all current information will be posted to the new story at: https://www.susanvillestuff.com/continuing-coverage-dixie-fire-updates-on-susanvillestuff/
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.
Updated 7:03p.m. Evening Update from Incident Command – 361,812 Acres
Dixie Fire evening update video briefing
Dixie Fire West Zone – The Dixie fire remained extremely explosive throughout the day producing high intensity spot fires and torching. Crown fire runs and intense surface fire occurred, and sustained winds were present. Pyro Cumulus clouds and shifting winds caused erratic and unpredictable fire behavior. These conditions remain elevated with very low fuel moistures which continue to challenge control efforts.
Firefighters are actively engaged in fighting fire and defending structures and critical infrastructure. Control lines continue to be constructed and reinforced.
Dixie Fire East Zone – On the East Zone, wildland firefighters with air support are fighting the fast-moving fire on multiple fronts that has reached Moonlight Ridge, with structure protection and preservation of human life our top priorities. Fire Managers are also strategizing tactics to protect cultural resources, important infrastructure and private property in the path of possible future fire growth from Clear Creek around Mountain Meadows Reservoir to Rattlesnake Peak and Flournoy Bridge, 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.
Update 6:23p.m. 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.”
Updated 4:20p.m. A-21 Now Closed Due to Fire – Additional Evacuations
LCSO spokesperson Lisa Bernard has announced that County Road A-21 is now closed due to fire.
“We anticipate that Hwy 36 between Westwood and Susanville will close soon. If you are still in Westwood, you need to evacuate now.”
NEW Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for:
• Walker Lake area north of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Moonlight Rd. – Zone E018
• Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale – Zone LAS-E026
New Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following areas:
• Lassen National Forest south of Hwy 36 to the Lassen County line includes Hamilton Mtn., Coyote Peak, and Indicator Peak – Zone LAS-E017
• South of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zone LAS-E030
Updated 2:20p.m. – 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.
Updated 12:45p.m. – Sheriff Orders Mandatory Evacuation of Clear Creek, Westwood and Pine Town areas
NEW Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued 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
Evacuation orders remain in place for:
• 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
• The unpopulated area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line. Zone LAS-E019.
New Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following areas:
• Walker Lake area north of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Moonlight Rd. – Zone E018
• Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale – Zone 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
Updated Thursday, 8:00a.m. Morning Update from Incident Command – 322,502 and 35% contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – Extreme fire behavior through the night fueled by low relative humidity and strong winds allowed the fire to grow 50,000 acres overnight. Firefighters continue to actively engage the fire, construct direct and indirect fire line and provide structure defense.
Dixie Fire East Zone – The fire spotted over control lines in Round Valley and grew explosively with whole tree torching and a crown fire being driven by gusty winds. Despite valiant efforts of firefighters, aerial resources and law enforcement to protect life and defend property, fire spread into the community of Greenville. Damage assessment is ongoing.
The fire behavior moderated some after dark. Red Flag warning will remain in effect until 8 pm Thursday for dry, windy conditions and the potential for extremely active fire behavior. Today the focus is on containing active fire perimeter on the north side of the fire and holding existing firelines.
Updated 8:54p.m. New Evacuation Orders and Warnings from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following areas:
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
The unpopulated area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line. Zone LAS-E019.
Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following areas:
Westwood and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Westwood Landfill Rd. east to Moonlight Ranch Rd. zone LAS-E023
Clear Creek, south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to the Westwood Landfill “haul road”. Zone LAS-E020
Updated 7:08p.m. – Evening Update from Incident Command – 278,227 acres and 35% contained
Dixie Fire West Zone – At 1pm today a Red Flag Warning was issued for areas impacted by the Dixie Fire. Fire behavior was affected by high winds that gusted between 30-40 mph. Winds tested containment lines by igniting fuels with historically low moisture content in remote and steep areas with limited access.
In preparation for this wind event, fire resources were focused on values at risk, including the greater Lake Almanor area and surrounding communities. Operations concentrated on structure defense, mopping up areas of probable concern, strengthening existing control lines, and focusing on multiple contingency lines North of the fire.
Crews will continue to fight fire aggressively as the wind event is predicted to continue into the evening.
Dixie Fire East Zone – The fire is very active with gusty winds out of the west and southwest. The fire has spotted over control lines in Round Valley drainage and firefighters are actively engaged in structure protection in Greenville.
Aircraft is working to support ground efforts where visibility allows. With the increased wind, firefighters are patrolling for spot fires and securing
lines on the entire perimeter of the East side. The Red Flag fire weather conditions will continue overnight with poor humidity recovery. Crews will aggressively engage fire throughout the night as conditions allow.
Updated 6:08p.m. New Mandatory Evacuations near Lassen Plumas Line
A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for the unpopulated area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line. Zone LAS-E019. Please leave the area immediately.
Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following areas:
• Westwood and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Westwood Landfill Rd. east to Moonlight Ranch Rd. zone LAS-E023
• Clear Creek, south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to the Westwood Landfill “haul road”. Zone LAS-E020
The emergency alert zone map can be accessed at this link: https://community.zonehaven.com/?latlon=40.24225707357189,-120.94421317813146&z=11.290092824389829&selected=LAS-E019
Updated 11:09a.m. New Evacuation Warnings Issued and Community Meeting
Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following areas:
• Clear Creek, south of Highway 36 from the Lassen County line east to A21 Mooney Rd. including Hwy. 147
• The area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line.
These are zones LAS-E019 and LAS-E020 on the emergency alert map: https://community.zonehaven.com/?latlon=40.24225707357189,-120.94421317813146&z=11.290092824389829&selected=LAS-E019
COMMUNITY MEETING: The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a community meeting at 1pm today in front of the Westwood Community Center at 211 Birch Street. There will be representatives there from LCSO and Cal Fire to discuss evacuation status, resources for evacuees, fire progression, and more.
Due to COVID restrictions, the meeting will take place outside and attendees will need to bring their own chairs. It will be livestreamed by SusanvilleStuff.
Updated 7:24a.m. Wednesday – Overnight Mapping and Smoke Outlook
The Dixie Fire is now 274,139 acres with 35% containment. Critical fire weather is predicted for today; a red flag warning is issued for strong southwest winds and low humidity.
Smoke columns developed on both the NE and NW sides of the Dixie fire Tuesday. There will again be major smoke impacts north of the fire.
Near Lake Almanor, and in Susanville, air quality will reach very unhealthy levels. Alturas may again see unhealthy levels. Janesville-Doyle-Herlong can expect moderate and USG.
Smoke may make symptoms worse for people who have pre-existing health conditions or are otherwise sensitive.
Dixie Fire West Zone – Fire continues to move toward control lines burning unburned interior islands and ridges. Steep terrain, heavy fuel loading, and wind in alignment with canyons is making control difficult. Fire activity continued into the evening hours following local winds and topography with active uphill runs, flanking, and single tree torching.
Hot conditions will persist this afternoon across the fire area. Winds are beginning to respond with southerly and westerly winds becoming more prevalent gusting up to 20 mph.
Afternoon humidity will continue to plummet into the teens across many locations. Crews continue to fight fire aggressively, construct and reinforce control lines, and protect structures. Mop up efforts have begun where appropriate.
Dixie Fire East Zone – East Zone – The fire grew north with active burning due to Red Flag weather conditions yesterday afternoon. No additional structure damage has been reported. Mandatory evacuation orders have been updated to include areas north of Greenville and Lake Almanor.
Overnight poor relative humidity recovery and dry conditions contributed to fire activity while crews monitored and patrolled the fire perimeter. Today hot, dry and windy conditions are predicted with a Red Flag warning in effect at 1 pm until Thursday at 8 pm. Active fire behavior is expected with strong, gusty winds. Today crews are building direct, indirect and contingency lines where
the fire is active. Firefighters will be mopping up and patrolling the rest of the perimeter of the east zone diligently checking for fire movement.
Updated 8:35p.m. – Evening Update from Incident Command – 254,466 Acres with 35% Containment
Dixie Fire West Zone – Extreme fire activity occurred today with plume dominated fire behavior. Firefighters are engaged in a direct fire attack as well as improving existing control and contingency lines. Crews are currently conducting mop up and tactical patrol operations to gain greater depth securing control lines.
Southwest winds blew across the West Zone this afternoon with gusts up to 20 mph and humidity values fell to the mid-teens. Critical fire weather is predicted for Wednesday as a Dry Cold front pass through the region with increased southwest winds.
Dixie Fire East Zone – On the East Zone, the fire is very active with gusty winds, high temperatures and very low relative humidity. With clear skies, smoke columns are visible and aircraft resources including large tankers are attacking hot spots and supporting line construction west of Greenville.
Resources including hand crews, heavy equipment and engines have shifted to support this effort and will continue overnight. On the entire Dixie and Evans fire perimeter firefighters are patrolling vigilantly for spot fires and securing lines. Fire trains are working to protect railway structures with water and retardant.
Weather is predicted to remain dry overnight, contributing to fire activity. Crews will continue to monitor and actively engage the fire throughout the night. California Interagency Incident Command Team 4 has assumed command of the east side of the fire in unified command with CAL FIRE Incident Command Team 1.
The Dixie Fire, burning in Plumas County since July 13th, has displaced thousands of residents who were forced to flee the flames as they impacted communities like Greenville, Indian Falls and the shores of Lake Almanor. Lassen County’s Health and Social Services Department has opened an Emergency Evacuation Shelter for these Plumas County residents at Lassen College, north of Susanville on Highway 139.
Those affected by the fire can also call the Emergency Shelter line at (530) 250-9004.
“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,” said HSSA Assistant Director Danielle Sanchez.
“Please keep in mind all weapons, drugs, alcohol and personal bedding/pillows 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.
Evacuation Warning
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for the area south of Mountain Meadows Reservoir from Hamilton Branch waterway east to the Lassen/Plumas County line.
“While we do not believe there are any residences in the area described, we are asking the public to stay out of the area for any purpose including recreation,” said Lassen spokesperson Lisa Bernard.
This is zone LAS-E019 on the emergency alert map.
“As of this moment, the Dixie fire has not burned into Lassen County. We are currently working with Plumas County to assist with the mandatory evacuation orders there. We understand the public’s need for information and their desire to protect themselves, their families, and their livestock. We will maintain communication with our local community regarding the status of evacuations in Lassen County and will make timely notifications when that status changes through a variety of media outlets, the CodeRed emergency alert system, and through reverse 911 calls and text. In addition, Deputies will make notifications door to door.”
“The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with both Incident Command teams assigned to the Dixie Fire to determine when orders or warnings will be issued and to keep updated on the progression of the fire. We take the issuance of evacuation warnings and orders very seriously, and understand the hardship that comes along with having to leave one’s home. We will only issue these orders if and when it becomes necessary.”
Safety Message: Please use caution while leaving the area. Drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. Be aware that changes in fire activity may cause this warning to escalate to a mandatory evacuation order at any time.
This is continuing coverage of a breaking news story. This post will be updated as new information becomes available.
