Current Situation

 As of 2:00 PM today (09/05/2020), with the support of the California Incident Management Team 4 we are lifting the evacuation advisory for: Greenhorn, Spring Garden, Sloat, Cromberg, and Highway 70 from Chandler Road east to Spring Garden. U.S. Forest Service-Plumas National ForestGreenhorn Creek Volunteer Fire DepartmentLong Valley CSD & Long Valley Volunteer Fire Department

Current Situation
Night crews secured and mopped up previous firing operations and made great progress on containing previous slopovers and spot fires on the northwest flank. In addition, they detected and addressed a new spot fire near the 40-acre spot which was contained yesterday.

Fire

The Sheep Fire remains 29,570 acres with containment increased to 90%. The Bear and Claremont fires are a combined 39,779 acres and 45% contained. Conditions are favorable for active fire behavior today, but progress on fire containment should limit fire growth.

Smoke

Yesterday, moderate and intermittent fire activity led to reduced smoke impacts across the Outlook area. Today, west winds this afternoon will transport light smoke to Sierra Valley, Reno, and Truckee areas. Gusty NE winds will arrive tonight which will push smoke out of the area, although Oroville will continue to see smoke as the NE winds bring smoke towards Oroville. Other fires in California continue to bring widespread smoky and hazy conditions.

Fire Weather Alert

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10pm tonight through 8am Wednesday due to gusty NE winds and low humidity. These winds will lead to Good air quality across most of the Outlook area. More information: www.weather.gov/sto/

Current Situation

The North Complex Fire was active last night, but no long-range spotting occurred as forecasted.

Fire

The Sheep Fire remains 29,570 acres with containment increased to 86%. The Bear and Claremont fires now are one contiguous fire and are a combined 38,164 acres and 40% contained. Conditions are favorable for high fire activity today, although crews' progress on fire containment have limited fire growth.

Smoke

Yesterday, reduced fire activity led to better than expected air quality in areas to the north and east of the fire. Today, expect similar smoke conditions compared to yesterday, but perhaps with slightly more smoke settling in valleys tonight and slightly less smoke this morning and afternoon. SW winds will continue this afternoon, transporting smoke to Honey Lake Valley, Sierra Valley, and Reno areas. Smoke will settle into valleys at night, and dissipate tomorrow morning. Smoke concentrations from Susanville to Reno will highly depend on fire activity today. Other fires in California are contributing to widespread smoky conditions.

Sheep Fire

The Sheep Fire is no longer a part of the North Complex, however firefighters are continuing to identify and extinguish hot spots and mop up. Currently, it is at 29,570 acres and 86% containment.

Current Situation

The North Complex Fire grew by approximately 900 acres Saturday, due to an inversion that lifted this afternoon increasing fire behavior. Smoke from interior pockets of the fire increased as the fire made an eastern run from Grizzly Creek in between the Bear and Claremont Fires toward the Claremont Fire. Some long-range spotting occurred, and crews are monitoring and patrolling.

Firefighters made good progress holding the fire within containment lines from the Middle Fork of the Feather River to the eastern flank of the fire. On the south side, containment line is holding well as crews continue mopping up. An infrared flight today revealed little heat along the southwestern edge of the fire.

On the northwestern side around Lookout Rock, fire behavior was calm enough for firefighters to directly engage with the flames. The fire is also holding well along Willow Creek as the fire moves toward constructed bulldozer lines.

Adverse winds prevented firefighters from conducting strategic firing operations between the edges of the Bear and Claremont fires, but are hopeful to continue tonight when the more favorable down canyon winds arrive.

Weather and Air Quality

Smoke from both the North Complex Fire and another wildfire west of Fresno drifted into the Quincy area, however air quality was a slight improvement from yesterday. Tonight, humidity recovery will be 20-75% depending on elevation, and temperatures will range from 49 to 75 degrees. Winds will shift from up slope and up drainage to down slope and down drainage at about 5 mph. The air quality generally will be smoky. For specific smoke impacts to your area, visit www.airnow.gov

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Evacuations

Evacuation Advisories were lifted by the Plumas County Sheriff at 2 p.m. for the communities of Greenhorn, Sloat and Cromberg. Advisories are still in place for Bucks Lake area, and Quincy LaPorte Road from Highway 70 south to Red Bridge. Please visit the Plumas County’s website for an interactive map: plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information.

Road Closures

Quincy LaPorte Road from Highway 70 south to Red Bridge is open to essential traffic only. The dirt portion of Peppard Flat Road is closed.

South West winds will continue this afternoon, transporting smoke to Honey Lake Valley, Sierra Valley, and Reno areas. Smoke will settle into valleys at night, including Oroville and Western Nevada valleys, and dissipate tomorrow morning. Other California fires are contributing to widespread smoky conditions.

Labor Day weekend recreation

Smoky conditions are likely at area lakes and reservoirs this weekend, especially overnight and through the morning as smoke settles. The best chance for better air quality is during the afternoon. Because of the widespread smoke, it difficult to identify those recreation areas that may have less smoke impact.
 
Full outlook report below. 

Firefighters made good progress holding the fire within containment lines and firing operations Friday night, accomplishing their goal of bringing the Claremont Fire’s western edge to the Bear Fire’s eastern edge. The North Complex Fire is now one contiguous fire.

On the northern flank of the fire, firefighters’ plan today is to continue firing downslope heading south to eventually meet with the Middle Fork of the Feather River when conditions are favorable. On the northwestern edge around Lookout Rock and far below Ontop Mine, some small spotting did occur, however firefighters kept them under control. The plan to box off the fire along 23N19 and constructed bulldozer line is going according to plan.

On the southern flank of the fire, activity remained relatively calm. Most activity was in the Red Bridge area where additional smoke plumes may continue to be seen today. To the southwest, two additional miles of contingency line was also constructed along Forest Road 22N94 in case any other future spot fires take hold.

Weather and Air Quality

Afternoon humidity will be 10-15% and temperatures are expected to increase a few degrees to a high of 99. Winds this afternoon could reach gusts of 22 mph along ridgelines. The air quality generally will be smoky, dense at times, especially toward the Middle Fork drainage along the southern flank of the fire. For specific smoke impacts to your area, visit www.airnow.gov

Evacuations and Road Closures

Areas within the communities of Greenhorn, Sloat and Cromberg are still under Evacuation Advisories. Please visit the Plumas County’s interactive map for exact locations: plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information. For road closures, check the CalTrans quickmap.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-7623