Here is your 8:00p.m. report on conditions from the Rush Fire burning north of Wendel.
Today, according to the evening update, firefighters made excellent progress in continuing line building and mop-up around the perimeter of the Rush Fire.
Fortunately the predicted critical fire weather conditions occurred for only a short time and fire spread was minimal. Most of the growth occurred in the northeast part of the fire where firefighters made progress, but have not completely encircled the fire in the SOB/Burnt Lake areas.
Crews will continue line building in that area tonight and tomorrow. Tomorrow, aircraft (small air tankers and helicopters) will be used to help firefighters in this effort. The remainder of the fireline will be patrolled and any heat found next to the fireline will be put out. Suppression repair (mainly smoothing and water barring dozer lines) will begin on some cool portions of the fireline.
Area and Road Closures in Effect: On August 17, the BLM issued a closure order for public lands in the fire area to protect public health and safety.
The closed area is bounded by Highway 395 on the west, the Sand Pass Road on the east, and the Wendel Road on the south.
The new northern boundary for the public land closure is the Juniper Ridge, Tuledad, Stage Road, Marr Road, and Buckhorn Road extending to Nevada Highway 447 in Washoe County.
Routes closed within this closure area include the Ramhorn Springs, Rye Patch Road, Buckhorn, Shinn Ranch, Stoney, Deep Cut, Smoke Creek, Skedaddle Ranch, Dry Valley, and Brubeck roads. The Ramhorn Springs Campground and the Dodge Reservoir Campground also is closed.
Today, August 21st Washoe County closed the Buffalo Meadows Road to public use. This will allow firefighters better access and help protect firefighter and public safety.
Travelers along the Highway 395 corridor, please use caution where fire crews and equipment are working in the fire area.
Remarks: NOTE: Use of chainsaws on public lands managed by BLM in NE California and far northwest Nevada is suspended effective Monday, Aug. 20, due to 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.
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.
