Sheep Fire – Evening Update

Acres:  15,776

Resources:  15 dozers, 47 engines, 5 hand crews, 2 helicopters, and 10 water tenders.  Additional resources are on order, availability remains scarce.

Current Situation: Unified Command was established this morning between the California Incident Management Team 1 and CalFire. Overall, the fire did not grow much as crews worked throughout the day constructing dozer line while contending with spot fires on the east and west flanks of the head of the fire near Susanville. On the east flank, crews worked to construct line around Hulsman Ranch, Wingfield Road, and Hidden Hills. On the west flank, they worked in the areas of Williams Creek and Willard Creek. Smoke inhibited the use of aircraft again today. Dry fuels, low humidities, and steep terrain continue to hamper firefighting efforts, as is the lack of available resources due to other fires throughout the state. Tonight, crews will continue to strengthen existing fire line while providing structure protection.

Weather: A new thunderstorm system is expected to bring dry lightning and gusty winds starting Sunday morning. The storm is expected to last several days, elevating fire danger, and has prompted a FIRE WEATHER WATCH for the fire area.

Air Quality: Smoke, including thicker particulate matter from active fires across northeast California, will continue to affect the area through Sunday morning. Expect visibility below 3 miles with unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups and those spending a prolonged period of time outdoors. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Mandatory Evacuation Orders

• Residences in the Susan Hills area from Gold Run Road to Bauer Rd and including Bauer Rd.

• Both sides of Gold Run Road from Richmond Road west to the end of Gold Run including Gunderson Road and Hidden Hills Drive.

• Amesbury Drive beginning at Gold Run Road and encompassing all roads south including Jura Road, Juro Road, Hill Creek Road and Morningstar Road. 

• Residents along the south side of Richmond Road from Circle Drive to Deforest Drive and Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Mountain Meadow Ranch but not including Mountain Meadow Ranch and all roads accessed by Wingfield Road to that point.

• Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.

• The south side of Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Wingfield Road.  This includes Circle Drive, Fairway Drive, Eagle Drive, Circle Court, Oaks Mountain Drive and the West Side of Wingfield Road, Haven Lane and Four Oaks Drive.

Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the dispatch center at (530) 257-6121. If you need shelter, go to the Lassen Community College Dormitories. Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Go to the Fair office on Russell Drive first before 5pm. After 5 pm, call the Emergency Shelter Line at (530) 250-9088.

Road Closures: The Richmond Road closure from Gold Run Road to just east of Gem Drive. Forest Service road 29N03 near Roxie Peconom is closed at Hwy 36. Biz Johnson Trail remains closed through October 31.

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 1 and the National Forests.

North Complex Resources:  5 Type 1 crews, 3 Type 2IA crews, 2 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 53 engines, 5 bulldozers, 2 water tenders.

Current Situation on the North Complex: The North Complex consists of multiple lightning caused fires (August 17, 2020) on the Plumas and Lassen National Forests. 

Of the original 21 fires in the complex, 16 are now 100% contained. The Willard and Fleming burned together with the Sheep. The Iron Fire south of Taylorsville (50 acres) and the Copper Fire (65 acres) north of Greenville are now 100% contained. The Neer, Kessler, Anna, Monitor, Monitor 2, Monitor 3, Paxton, Branch, Little, Loop B, Davis, Davis 2, Evans, and Meyers Fires are all 100% contained and in patrol status. Those fires ranged in size from .1 acres to 8 acres.

Of the larger fires the Sheep Fire did not grow much allowing crews to build more dozer line, the Claremont broke over Highway 70 at Massack Rest Area, and the Bear Fire was active but there was no size update available These fires are covered in separate updates.

Weather: A new thunderstorm system is expected to bring dry lightning and gusty winds starting Sunday morning. The storm is expected to last several days, elevating fire danger, and has prompted a FIRE WEATHER WATCH for the fire area.

Air Quality: Smoke, including thicker particulate matter from active fires across northeast California, will continue to affect the area through Sunday morning. Expect visibility below 3 miles with unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups and those spending a prolonged period of time outdoors. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Closures/Evacuations: Due to 100 percent containment on the Iron and Copper Fires, evacuation orders and advisories have been lifted for the Greenville and Taylorsville areas. 

For immediate text notifications about emergency alerts, residents can sign up for the Plumas County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System on https://www.plumascounty.us/2163/CodeRed-Emergency-Alert-System.  Evacuation questions should be directed to Plumas County Sheriff’s Office: (530) 283-6375. Evacuation shelter for the Claremont fire is at the Quincy High School. No small animals are able to be accommodated at the High School. Evacuation shelter for the Sheep Fire is located at the Lassen Community college dormitories. Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire the surrounding communities.

North Complex Fires:

Claremont Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6996/

Bear Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7025/

Sheep Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6997/

Forest Closures: https://fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

UPDATED EVACUATION UPDATE - Plumas County Sheriff - 8-22-2020 9AM

This is the most current evacuation and Road Closure information for Plumas County in regard to the #ClaremontFire and the #IronFire as of 8-22-2020 at 9:00AM. This information will likely be modified throughout today as new information becomes available. This post supersedes and/or affirms all earlier posts. 

Sheep Fire – Morning Update

Acres:  15,776

Resources:  15 dozers, 36 engines, 2 hand crews, 2 helicopters, and 12 water tenders.  Additional resources are on order, availability remains scarce.

Current Situation: Today, fire managers plan to take advantage of favorable morning weather conditions to minimize fire spread to the east and west; focusing on the areas of Wingfield Road, Gold Run and Hidden Hills. Dry fuels north of the fire remain susceptible to ignition. Last night firefighters stayed at the fire, fire behavior moderated, and crews were successful establishing new dozer line. As of today, no additional structure loss has been reported.

Weather: Slightly hotter and drier conditions are forecast today with south to southwest winds becoming gusty in the afternoon and evening hours.  Some high-level cloudiness is expected to arrive this evening.

Air Quality: Smoke may be thick in valleys and canyons north and east of the fire. Fire and smoke maps are available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Mandatory Evacuation Orders

• Residences in the Susan Hills area from Gold Run Road to Bauer Rd and including Bauer Rd.

• Both sides of Gold Run Road from Richmond Road west to the end of Gold Run including Gunderson Road and Hidden Hills Drive.

• Amesbury Drive beginning at Gold Run Road and encompassing all roads south including Jura Road, Juro Road, Hill Creek Road and Morningstar Road. 

• Residents along the south side of Richmond Road from Circle Drive to Deforest Drive and Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Mountain Meadow Ranch but not including Mountain Meadow Ranch and all roads accessed by Wingfield Road to that point.

• Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.

• The south side of Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Wingfield Road.  This includes Circle Drive, Fairway Drive, Eagle Drive, Circle Court, Oaks Mountain Drive and the West Side of Wingfield Road, Haven Lane and Four Oaks Drive.

Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the dispatch center at (530) 257-6121. If you need shelter, go to the Lassen Community College Dormitories. Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Go to the Fair office on Russell Drive first before 5pm. After 5 pm, call the Emergency Shelter Line at (530) 250-9088.

Road Closures: The Richmond Road closure has been moved from Gold Run Road to just east of Gem Drive.

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 1 and the National Forests.

North Complex Resources:  5 Type 1 crews, 3 Type 2IA crews, 2 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 53 engines, 5 bulldozers, 2 water tenders.

Current Situation on the North Complex: The North Complex consists of multiple lightning caused fires on the Plumas and Lassen National Forests.  Last night the Sheep, Claremont, and Bear fires all were very active.  Additional ground and air resources were requested to slow the spread and protect lives and homes.  Expanded mandatory evacuations were issued by the Lassen County Sheriff Offices.  Of the 21 fires in the complex, 10 are now 100% contained.  The Iron Fire south of Taylorsville has fireline completely around it and is 50% contained.  Crews will spend the night on the line to prevent further spread.

Weather: Today temperatures will be slightly warmer.  Humidity remains low and winds are forecast to be gusty out of the southwest.  The fire area has been placed under a Fire Weather Watch Sunday-Tuesday for Thunderstorms and the potential for dry lightning.

Air Quality: Westerly winds will move smoke to the east or northeast today. Smoke may be thick in valleys and canyons immediately east of the fire. Refer to Airnow Website.

Closures/Evacuations: An evacuation advisory notice remains in effect for the community of Taylorsville extending west on Arlington Road to Johnson ranch Road and 3 miles south on Genesee Road from the intersection of Arlington Road and North Valley road.  For immediate text notifications about emergency alerts, residents can sign up for the Plumas County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System on https://www.plumascounty.us/2163/CodeRed-Emergency-Alert-System.  Evacuation questions should be directed to Plumas County Sheriff’s Office: (530) 283-6375. Evacuation shelter for the Claremont fire is at the Quincy High School.  No small animals are able to be accommodated at the High School. Evacuation shelter for the Sheep Fire is located at the Lassen Community college dormitories.  Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire the surrounding communities.

North Complex Fires:

Claremont Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6996/

Bear Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7025/

Sheep Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6997/

Forest Closures: https://fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

Smoke Outlook for 8-22-2020

AUGUST 21, 2020 8pm

NorthComplex Information: (530) 316-1042 Email:2020.northcomplex.info@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6997/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas

Sheep Fire Evening Update

Acres:  11,000           

Resources:  15 dozers, 36 engines, 2 hand crews, 2 helicopters, and 12 water tenders.  Additional resources have been ordered.

Current Situation: Firefighters and resources will work throughout the night to protect structures and hold established firelines.

Expanded evacuation orders and warnings were enacted due to extreme fire behavior. Strong winds pushed the fire toward Peter Lassen’s Grave and the upper Cherry Creek and Gold Run drainage, moving toward Susan Hills. Crews will work through the night to protect structures and hold firelines. A Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) DC-10 was in the area to assist but heavy smoke hindered efforts to utilize this and other aerial resources. Engines, bulldozers, crews and two helicopters were available to assist.

Weather: The Sheep Fire is expected to remain active this evening until the early morning hours.  Lows are expected to range between 44 and 61 degrees. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable.

Air Quality: Widespread smoke before 11pm. Widespread haze after 11pm. Smoke may be thick in valleys and canyons immediately north and east of the fires. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Mandatory Evacuation Orders

• Both sides of Gold Run Road from Richmond Road west to the end of Gold Run including Gunderson Road and Hidden Hills Drive.

• Amesbury Drive beginning at Gold Run Road and encompassing all roads south including Jura Road, Juro Road, Hill Creek Road and Morningstar Road. 

• Residents along Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Singletree Lane but not including Singletree Lane and Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Mountain Meadow Ranch but not including Mountain Meadow Ranch.

• Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.

• The south side of Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Wingfield Road.  This includes Circle Drive, Fairway Drive, Eagle Drive, Circle Court, Oaks Mountain Drive and the West Side of Wingfield Road, Haven Lane and Four Oaks Drive.

• An Evacuation Warning has been issued for Singletree Lane.

Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the dispatch center at (530) 257-6121. If you need shelter, go to the Lassen Community College Dormitories. Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Go to the Fair office on Russell Drive first before 5 pm. After 5 pm, call the Emergency Shelter Line at (530) 250-9088.

Road Closures: All of Gold Run Road is closed and Richmond Road is closed from Singletree Lane to Gold Run Road

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 1 and the National Forests.

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AUGUST 21, 2020 8pm

NorthComplex Information: (530) 316-1042 Email:2020.northcomplex.info@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6997/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas

Sheep Fire Evening Update

Acres:  11,000           

Resources:  15 dozers, 36 engines, 2 hand crews, 2 helicopters, and 12 water tenders.  Additional resources have been ordered.

Current Situation: Firefighters and resources will work throughout the night to protect structures and hold established firelines.

Expanded evacuation orders and warnings were enacted due to extreme fire behavior. Strong winds pushed the fire toward Peter Lassen’s Grave and the upper Cherry Creek and Gold Run drainage, moving toward Susan Hills. Crews will work through the night to protect structures and hold firelines. A Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) DC-10 was in the area to assist but heavy smoke hindered efforts to utilize this and other aerial resources. Engines, bulldozers, crews and two helicopters were available to assist.

Weather: The Sheep Fire is expected to remain active this evening until the early morning hours.  Lows are expected to range between 44 and 61 degrees. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable.

Air Quality: Widespread smoke before 11pm. Widespread haze after 11pm. Smoke may be thick in valleys and canyons immediately north and east of the fires. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Mandatory Evacuation Orders

• Both sides of Gold Run Road from Richmond Road west to the end of Gold Run including Gunderson Road and Hidden Hills Drive.

• Amesbury Drive beginning at Gold Run Road and encompassing all roads south including Jura Road, Juro Road, Hill Creek Road and Morningstar Road. 

• Residents along Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Singletree Lane but not including Singletree Lane and Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Mountain Meadow Ranch but not including Mountain Meadow Ranch.

• Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.

• The south side of Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Wingfield Road.  This includes Circle Drive, Fairway Drive, Eagle Drive, Circle Court, Oaks Mountain Drive and the West Side of Wingfield Road, Haven Lane and Four Oaks Drive.

• An Evacuation Warning has been issued for Singletree Lane.

Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the dispatch center at (530) 257-6121. If you need shelter, go to the Lassen Community College Dormitories. Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Go to the Fair office on Russell Drive first before 5 pm. After 5 pm, call the Emergency Shelter Line at (530) 250-9088.

Road Closures: All of Gold Run Road is closed and Richmond Road is closed from Singletree Lane to Gold Run Road

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 1 and the National Forests.

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