Fire

The North Complex Fire had no growth yesterday and is still at 304,492 acres in size with 78% containment. The fire had minimal activity in a few places yesterday, and crews continue to make progress increasing containment. Expect the same in fire activity today as yesterday.      

Smoke

Expect similar air quality as yesterday as the SW winds will remain in effect for the day. Smoke from the North Complex will continue to be transported towards Susanville which will lead to an increase in smoke impacts due to smoke settling in these areas. Expect a change in the smoke forecast tomorrow as the valley starts to heat up.      

Health & Safety

Remember that pets are also impacted by unhealthy air quality as well. Ensure they have plenty of fresh fluids and are moved to clean air when possible. Please see the link below for more details.

https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/smoke_fires/protect-your-pets-from-wildfire-smoke.pdf

Current Situation

South Zone:

Crews today continued to mop up containment line around Quartz Hill and Onion Valley with the help of a helicopter using heat detecting sensors to find hot spots. Resources tonight will concentrate in this same area to guard against any spot fires. The fire remained in its current footprint throughout the rest of the zone.

North Zone:

Resources completed firing operations in the vicinity south of Grizzly Forebay. While there is now containment line surrounding the North Zone of the fire, unburned islands of timber continue to catch fire and create spot fires. Night crews will continue patrolling and mop up operations.

Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black took command of the fire at 6 a.m. this morning. Incident Commander Troy Hagan would like to thank California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 for the great work that has been done during their 21-day assignment.

For more information there is a daily recorded operational briefing video that will be posted to the Plumas National Forest Facebook Page at 9 a.m.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Tonight’s temperatures in the valleys will be 36-42 degrees, with temperatures in the higher elevations ranging from 48-54 degrees. Southwest winds around 10 mph.

Fire

The North Complex Fire grew 3,088 acres and is now 304,492 acres at 78% containment. The fire was active in a several places yesterday and today expect similar fire activity as yesterday. Crews continue to increase containment.  

Smoke

Expect similar air quality as yesterday trending towards less smoke in the afternoon due to the increase in SW winds. Smoke from the North Complex will continue to be transported towards areas around Susanville which will lead to an increase in smoke impacts due to smoke settling in this area. Expect different conditions tomorrow as an incoming front passes through late tonight.

Health & Safety

Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases (CO) and fine particles from burning vegetation, and other materials. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, even someone who is healthy and fit. Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, and can mimic COVID symptoms such as headaches, trouble breathing and fatigue. If you have a fever, seek medical attention. For more information on Smoke and COVID19 and the Effects of Smoke Exposure please visit:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lfc1I_PMZFAWZack2cqtUlBmBXLpve0Q/view

Current Situation

South Zone:

Crews last night focused on the Quartz Hill and Onion Valley area picking up spot fires and conducting mopping up operations. Resources today will continue to concentrate in this area to reinforce existing containment lines. The fire remained in its current footprint throughout the rest of the zone.

North Zone:

Resources will be looking to complete firing operations in the vicinity south of Grizzly Forebay, should conditions permit. There continues to be spotting adjacent to containment lines in the areas south of Bucks Lake, but crews have been successful in catching them all.

Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black took command of the fire at 6 a.m. this morning. Incident Commander Troy Hagan would like to thank California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 for the great work that has been done during their 21-day assignment.

For more information there is a daily recorded operational briefing video that will be posted to the Plumas National Forest Facebook Page at 9 a.m.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Today’s temperatures in the valleys will reach the low 80’s, with temperatures in the higher elevations topping out around 70 degrees. Southwest winds 4-8 mph.

Smoke outlook: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternSierra or www.airnow.gov/

Plumas National Forest closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

Current Situation

South Zone:

Crews today continued to patrol and mop up around Quartz Hill and Onion Valley after last night’s successful firing operations. A helicopter with heat detecting sensors surveyed the area to aid crews in finding any hidden hot spots. Night crews will continue mop up efforts throughout this same area. All other containment lines remain secured.

North Zone:

Firing operations took place south of Grizzly Forebay and will continue into tonight’s night shift, should conditions allow. Crews were able to catch all slop overs and hot spots and will continue to patrol containment lines throughout the night.

Members of the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black will take over command of the fire tomorrow at 6 a.m. as California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has reached the maximum 21-day limit.

For more information there is a daily recorded operational briefing video that will be posted to the Plumas National Forest Facebook Page at 9 a.m.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Overnight temperatures in the valleys will range from 36 to 42 degrees, with temperatures on the slopes and ridges ranging from 48 to 54 degrees. Southwest winds around 10 mph.

Fire

The North Complex Fire grew 1,682 acres and is now 301,404 acres at 75% containment. The fire was active in a few places yesterday and today expect similar fire activity as yesterday due to a moderate risk environment from mild temperatures and low relative humidity. Crews continue to increase containment with aggressive backfiring.   

Smoke

Smoke and air quality conditions today will be similar to yesterday trending toward less smoke in the afternoon due to the increase in SW winds. Smoke from the North Complex will continue to be transported towards areas between Chester and Janesville, including Susanville which will lead to an increase in smoke impacts due to smoke settling in this area.   

Health & Safety

When looking at this Smoke Outlook think of it as a tool to plan your day. If the area that you reside in has poor air quality and you desire outdoor activity, think about going to an area that is green (good air quality) if you want outdoor recreation. https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks  

Current Situation

South Zone:

Overnight firing operations were successful around Quartz Hill and Onion Valley as crews were able to reinforce containment lines. Resources today will be focusing on monitoring these areas and looking to pick up any possible spot fires. Previously established south zone containment lines remain secured.

North Zone:

Firing operations in the vicinity of Grizzly Big Creek to Grizzly Forebay were very productive last night. Crews completed firing to just south of Grizzly Forebay, where crews will look to complete firing during today’s shift. All slop over fires and spots have been picked up and will continue to be patrolled.

Members of the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black will be shadowing California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 today. Team Black will take over command of the fire on Thursday at 6 a.m. after Team 4 reaches their maximum 21-day limit.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Afternoon temperatures today in the valleys will range from 78 to 84 degrees, with temperatures on the slopes and ridges ranging from 64 to 69 degrees. Southwest winds will be 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph.  Relative humidity will be trending slightly lower from yesterday.

Smoke outlook: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternSierra or www.airnow.gov/

Plumas National Forest closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

Current Situation

South Zone:

Overnight firing operations were successful around Quartz Hill and Onion Valley as crews were able to reinforce containment lines. Resources today will be focusing on monitoring these areas and looking to pick up any possible spot fires. Previously established south zone containment lines remain secured.

North Zone:

Firing operations in the vicinity of Grizzly Big Creek to Grizzly Forebay were very productive last night. Crews completed firing to just south of Grizzly Forebay, where crews will look to complete firing during today’s shift. All slop over fires and spots have been picked up and will continue to be patrolled.

Members of the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black will be shadowing California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 today. Team Black will take over command of the fire on Thursday at 6 a.m. after Team 4 reaches their maximum 21-day limit.

For more information there is a daily recorded operational briefing video that will be posted to the Plumas National Forest Facebook Page at 9 a.m.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Afternoon temperatures today in the valleys will range from 78 to 84 degrees, with temperatures on the slopes and ridges ranging from 64 to 69 degrees. Southwest winds will be 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph.  Relative humidity will be trending slightly lower from yesterday.

Smoke outlook: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternSierra or www.airnow.gov/

Plumas National Forest closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

Current Situation

South Zone:

Day shift resources will be extending their shift in order to assist night shift crews attempting to complete ignitions near Quartz Hill. Unfavorable wind conditions have hampered ignition operations for the last several shifts. Other resources will be continuing to monitor and patrol the south zone fire perimeter. Currently, all containment lines remain secured.

North Zone:

Due to today’s winds, there have been several small spot fires near Grizzly Forebay, though all remain within containment lines. Crews here will also be extended into the night shift to take advantage of expected favorable condition for firing operations.

Members of the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black have been arriving and will be inbriefed later this evening. Team Black will take over command of the fire on Thursday morning at 6 a.m. after California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 reaches their maximum 21-day limit.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Overnight temperatures in the valleys will range from 39 to 44 degrees, with temperatures on the slopes and ridges ranging from 47 to 53 degrees. Southwest winds will bring in a modest bit of moisture, look for a small increase in humidity overnight at high altitudes.

Smoke outlook: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternSierra or www.airnow.gov/

Plumas National Forest closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

Fire

The North Complex Fire grew 5,421 acres and is now 299,722 acres at 74% containment. Today expect similar fire activity as yesterday due to a moderate risk environment from mild temperatures and low relative humidity. Crews continue to increase containment with aggressive backfiring.

Smoke

Overall weather and smoke dispersal in the forecast area is expected to be very similar to yesterday. Light terrain driven winds will drive smoke towards communities NE of the fire. Dispersal will be poor for most of the day and smoke from the North Complex and other fires in the state will continue to impact the smoke outlook area. Smoke impacts will continue to be high today in Quincy, Oroville and Susanville.

Health & Safety

Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning vegetation. Even someone who is healthy can get sick if there is enough smoke in the air. Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects and can mimic COVID symptoms such as headaches, trouble breathing and fatigue. If you have a fever, seek medical Attention. For more information on Smoke and COVID-19 on the link below.
 
For more information on Smoke and COVID-19 go to: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lfc1I_PMZFAWZack2cqtUlBmBXLpve0Q/view 

Current Situation

South Zone:

Crews will look to continue firing operations that began overnight to reinforce dozer line in the Onion Valley area, should conditions permit. The fire continues to hold from Little Grass Valley south to Harrison Ridge and is largely in patrol status.

North Zone:

Firefighters continue to focus on prepping along Grizzly Big Creek and south of Grizzly Forebay for firing operations. As always, firing operations can only happen with favorable weather conditions, which are expected today. Patrol and mop up continues on the Red Mountain Road and the containment lines continue to hold from Lookout Rock, east all the way to Quincy.

When the time comes for residents to return home, please drive with caution as firefighters and incident personnel will still be working and patrolling the fire perimeter.

West Zone: See CAL FIRE Team 4 updates at: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/north-complex-fire/

Evacuations and Road Closures

Orders and Advisories are still in place for communities in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties. Please check your respective county’s websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates on evacuations and road closures. You can also sign up with your county for reverse 911 notifications by registering with the CODE RED system.

Weather and Air Quality

Today’s highs will be heavily dependent on cloud cover with temperatures ranging from 67 degrees on the slopes and ridges and 84 degrees in the slopes and valleys. General winds are expected to be southwesterly, with some gusts as high as 25 mph.