Dixie Fire Wednesday report: 735,064 acres, 45 percent contained as wind fuels spot fires
The Dixie Fire burning west of Susanville is now 735,064 acres, an increase of 3,754 acres since Tuesday, with 45 percent containment, according to Cal Fire. Active fire behavior and smoke production remains predominantly on the northern and southeastern perimeters of the Dixie Fire.
On the east side of the fire, InciWeb reports at noon Wednesday that operations in the Genesee Valley are advancing and crews continue to secure and mop up around structures all the way out to Taylorsville. Near the Walker Fire scar, crews and equipment have strategically repositioned near the road in the event of any additional spotting.
The following is extracted from the report.
Tuesday afternoon’s 593-acre spot fire on Peel Ridge burned very actively all night and into the early Wednesday morning blending with the Grizzly Peak spot fire and remains an area of concern should it push east. Firefighters, with the help of aviation, are actively trying to stop its spread.
In Taylorsville, water operations were put in place by a large contingent of crews and engines working alongside cooperators from Indian Valley, Taylorsville, and Greenville Fire Departments. They were able to plumb every single structure with hose line. The ridge line up from Taylorsville on Mt. Jura continues to be prepped and has a long system of retardant in place. Crews were able to get dozer line put in at the toe of the slope down to the valley floor and they continue to look for more opportunities to put in more contingency lines.
Most of the rest of the Valley is in patrol and mop up status and the one smoke seen was well interior. Engines will continue patrolling and looking for heat for the next couple of days.
The Dyer areas looks good. Crews are working in a wedge of green trees there that has a lot of fuel. There is no threat to control lines in the Antelope Lake area, but crews will continue to work on the heat that is between the Lake and Antelope Lake Road.
In the west zone of the Dixie Fire, 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 temparatures 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.
The Dixie Fire, which started, on July 13, is burning on the Plumas National Forest, Lassen National Forest, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and in five counties: Butte, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama. It has destroyed 1,273 residential, commercial and other structures. The cause is under investigation. The Forest Service estimates the fire to be fully contained by Sept. 30.
As of Wednesday, the fire has 5,633 firefighting personnel and 94 crews. It is being fought with 19 helicopters, multiple air tankers, Super Huey helicopters, 450 engines, 187 dozers and 179 water tenders.
Go here for the latest report by Cal Fire.
Road Closures:
Public traveling in or near evacuated areas should follow egress route directions identified in the evacuation notifications. Directions provided by mobile devices and GPS units could lead drivers into hazardous areas. Motorists are encouraged to call 1-800-427-7623 for highway information.
Plumas County:
Indian Falls Road at SR-89. No westbound Indian Falls Road traffic.
Greenville Wolf Creek Road just west of SR-89. No westbound Greenville Wolf Creek Road traffic.
Pecks Valley Road northbound at North Valley Road eastbound.
North Valley Road northbound at Diamond Mountain Road.
Dixie Valley Road at SR-89. No northbound Dixie Valley Road traffic.
Arlington Road eastbound at Viacava Ranch Road. No eastbound Arlington Road traffic.
Main Street both directions at SR-89
Beckwourth Genesee Road westbound at Antelope Road.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) is closed.
Lassen County:
SR-36 westbound at SR-44. No westbound SR-36 traffic.
SR-36 east of the town of Westwood at the “Old Chimney” landmark. No eastbound SR-36 traffic.
Janesville Grade at “Granite Lookout.”
Tehama County:
SR-36 eastbound at SR-89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park entrance)
SR-172 eastbound (Westside-Mineral) at SR-36
SR-36 westbound at SR-32