Claremont and Bear – Morning Update

Acres: 21,324 combined (Claremont 17,906; Bear 3,418)

Resources:  14 dozers, 68 engines, 8 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 6 water tenders, and 517 total personnel. These resources are shared with the North Complex.

Current Situation on the Claremont: As the Claremont Fire moved east last night, it spread towards Hwy 70, which triggered a new Evacuation Advisory for the communities of Cromberg and Sloat (about 150 structures threatened). The south side of the fire moving along the Feather River is in very challenging terrain, and is now within ½ mile southwest of Hwy 70. The breakover at Massack Rest Area and Hwy 70 now has good dozer line around the slope. Today, crews will work to reinforce that dozer line as well as a large stretch of completed dozer line on the west side of the fire from Quincy down to Claremont in an effort to keep it from moving north. Expect additional Hwy 70 closures and Union Pacific rail closures today. The Claremont Fire is located south of Quincy, CA and north of the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

Current Situation on the Bear: The Bear Fire continues to move aggressively to the north and west up Bear Creek and along Forest Road 23N19 as it moves around constructed dozer line. There was a spot fire across Little Bear Creek where crews were trying to keep it from moving to the north. The Bear Fire is located on the Pacific Crest Trail, 1-mile northwest of Butte Bar Campground and 1.5 southeast of Lookout Rock.

Weather: Lingering moisture and instability will lead to a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into early this evening. The greatest threat for showers and thunderstorms over the North Complex will be in the afternoon hours. It is most likely, however, that showers and thunderstorms will remain north and east of the area similar to Monday. It's still possible that winds could affect the area in the afternoon and building smoke columns are likely to lead to some erratic and gusty winds in the heat of the afternoon and evening.

Air Quality: Heaviest impacts will again be in areas closest to the fires. Lingering smoke may be dense at times in the valleys but thinning is expected, especially south of fires. As fires become more active later in the day, areas will see heavier impacts in the evening into overnight as smoke settles into valleys and local drainages. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Evacuations: Evacuation Advisory Alert is in effect for the communities of Cromberg and Sloat. Residents there should make preparations to evacuate. Evacuation orders in East Quincy remain in effect. For the latest evacuation information, visit the Plumas County Sheriff’s Facebook page - facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Quincy High School remains an Evacuation Center for local residences. No small animals are able to be accommodated at the high school. Portola Station Baptist Church (171 S Guiling St.) is serving as an evacuation center for residents of Greenhorn and Spring Garden.

Road Closure: Highway 70 remained CLOSED between Spring Garden and La Porte Road, but escorted groups were allowed through by the California Highway Patrol as conditions allow. La Porte Road and Thompson Creek Road remain closed. Union Pacific Railroad also has a closure affected by the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit remains closed. For further information on closures go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

For immediate text notifications sign up for the Plumas County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System on their website at https://www.plumascounty.us/2163/. Evacuation questions should be directed to your County Sheriff's office non-emergency number. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office: (530) 283-6375.

Visit CalTrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or call 1-800-427-7623 for the latest maps and information of road closures in your area.

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.

Smoke Outlook 8-25-2020

Claremont and Bear – Evening Update

Acres: 20,684  

Resources:  14 dozers, 68 engines, 8 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 6 water tenders, and 517 total personnel. These resources are shared with the North Complex.

Current Situation on the Claremont: Tempered weather today allowed crews to go on the offensive and attack the fire and build line in place of constant structure protection as in previous days. The fire does remain active near Hwy 70 as well as south of the Feather River. The spots that crossed over Hwy 70 had a hand crew working to build line. Crews will continue to defend lines near structures overnight to further stabilize the area. Union Pacific (UP) moved a Fire Train into the area to assist with fire suppression along the railroad tracks adjacent to Hwy 70. The UP locomotive has a water tank car attached with a pump on top that supplies hoses, nozzles, and deck guns to help extinguish fires and hot spots on or along the railroad tracks.

The California Highway Patrol escorted groups of cars today on SR-70 through the burned over area. The area is still considered a closed zone and should be avoided if possible. The highway can close again at anytime in the event the area is not safe to travel.

The Claremont Fire, now at 17,906 acres, is located south of Quincy, CA and north of the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

Current Situation on the Bear: The Bear Fire remains active in all directions. Additional crews were added to support containment. The Bear Fire, now at 2,778 acres is located on the Pacific Crest Trail, 1-mile northwest of Butte Bar Campground and 1.5 southeast of Lookout Rock.

Weather: RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS THROUGH THIS EVENING. A threat of isolated dry thunderstorms remains possible in the foothills and mountains through this evening. Lightning from dry thunderstorms will have the potential to start new fires. Dry thunderstorms may also produce gusty wind.

Air Quality: Hazy smoke continued today and was most dense in the valleys. Light winds pushed smoke to the north/northeast and areas nearest the fires saw the greatest impacts, namely Susanville and Quincy. Those areas can expect to see unhealthy/very unhealthy conditions overall. Locations near Reno should have seen some relief today as scattered showers continued to pass through. Smoke was expected to thin/mix out around noon into the early evening. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Evacuations: Evacuation Advisory Alert is in effect for the communities of Cromberg and Sloat. Residents there should make preparations to evacuate. Due to the continued weather threat into tonight, evacuation orders in East Quincy remain. For the latest evacuation information, visit the Plumas County Sheriff’s Facebook page - facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Quincy High School remains an Evacuation Center for local residences. No small animals are able to be accommodated at the high school. Portola Station Baptist Church (171 S Guiling St.) is serving as an evacuation center for residents of Greenhorn and Spring Garden.

Road Closure: Highway 70 remained CLOSED between Spring Garden and La Porte Road, but escorted groups were allowed through by the California Highway Patrol as conditions allowed. La Porte Road and Thompson Creek Road remain closed. Union Pacific Railroad also has a closure affected by the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit remains closed. For further information on closures go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

For immediate text notifications sign up for the Plumas County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System on their website at https://www.plumascounty.us/2163/. Evacuation questions should be directed to your County Sheriff's office non-emergency number. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office: (530) 283-6375.

Visit CalTrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest maps with road closures in your area.

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.

Claremont and Bear – Morning Update

Acres: 19,035  

Resources:  14 dozers, 70 engines, 10 hand crews, 6 helicopters, 7 water tenders, and 568 total personnel. These resources are shared with the North Complex.

Current Situation on the Claremont: The Claremont Fire made sweeping movement yesterday and crossed the Middle Fork of the Feather River moving eastward towards Spring Garden. Crews worked overnight protecting structures and pushing the fire back as allowed by conditions. There were no reported structure losses from yesterday. Some progress was made on the heel of the fire north and west of Crescent Hill near Claremont. There was light rain last night, but no lightning. Crews will work today to tie into old dozer line from the Minerva Fire. Structure protection will continue to be top priority in the La Porte area and along with the Hwy 70 corridor. Crews are also in place and prepping the communities of Greenhorn and Chandler road area. The Claremont Fire, now at 17,101 acres, is located south of Quincy, CA and north of the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

Current Situation on the Bear: The Bear Fire made a large advancement on the north side of the fire yesterday to the northwest along both sides of Bear Creek. It is holding on the northeast side at the top of the flats. The south side of the fire advanced towards Middle Fork at Carpenter Bar but stayed east of Carpenter Creek. The Bear Fire, now at 1,934 acres is located on the Pacific Crest Trail, 1-mile northwest of Butte Bar Campground and 1.5 southeast of Lookout Rock.

Weather: There is a Red Flag Warning for Gusty Outflow Winds & Dry Lightning In Effect Until Tuesday Morning. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected this morning. In addition to concern for new fire starts, gusty winds and brief light to moderate rainfall will be possible. There's likely to be a break in the weather late morning into the early afternoon before more showers and thunderstorms develop along and near the Sierra Crest. Afternoon to evening thunderstorms east of the North Complex, could cause winds to push into the area.

Air Quality: Smoke impacts to communities are expected to improve somewhat today due to the incoming thunderstorms. However, an increase in fire activity later this afternoon may increase smoke coming into the area. Areas of better air quality are expected above the foothill communities. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Evacuations: Several MANDATORY Evacuation orders and ADVISORIES were issued last night. Emergency responders made door to door notifications where evacuations were taking place. Some the notices were downgraded in level. For the latest evacuation information, visit the Plumas County Sheriff’s Facebook page - facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Quincy High School remains an Evacuation Center for local residences. No small animals are able to be accommodated at the high school. Portola Station Baptist Church (171 S Guiling St.) is serving as an evacuation center for residents of Greenhorn and Spring Garden.

Road Closure: Highway 70 remains CLOSED between Spring Garden and Quincy La Porte Road. La Porte Road and Thompson Creek Road remain closed. Union Pacific Railroad also has a closure affected by the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit remains closed. For further information on closures go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

For immediate text notifications sign up for the Plumas County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System on their website at https://www.plumascounty.us/2163/. Evacuation questions should be directed to your County Sheriff's office non-emergency number. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office: (530) 283-6375.

Visit CalTrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest maps with road closures in your area.

See Attached Smoke Outlook for 8-24-2020

Claremont and Bear – Evening Update

Acres: 17,317 Containment: 2%

Resources:  14 dozers, 70 engines, 10 hand crews, 6 helicopters, 7 water tenders, and 568 total personnel. These resources are shared with the North Complex.

Current Situation on the Claremont: The Claremont Fire made sweeping movement today and crossed the Middle Fork of the Feather River moving eastward towards Spring Garden. As a result, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Spring Garden and Greenhorn Ranch. Several helicopters assisted with overhead water drops to try and cool the flames while crews worked to knock down spot fires. Crews will continue to work overnight protecting structures and pushing the fire back if weather cooperates. The Claremont Fire, now at 15,656 acres and 2% contained, is located south of Quincy, CA and north of the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

Current Situation on the Bear: The Bear Fire made a large advancement on the north side of the fire today to the northwest along both sides of Bear Creek. The south side of the fire advanced towards Middle Fork at Carpenter Bar, but stayed east of Carpenter Creek. The Bear Fire is located on the Pacific Crest Trail, 1-mile northwest of Butte Bar Campground and 1.5 southeast of Lookout Rock.

Weather: There remains a RED FLAG WARNING FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH MONDAY EVENING. Lightning from dry thunderstorms will have the potential to start new fires.

Air Quality: For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Evacuations:

• MANDATORY Evacuation was issued for the residents of SPRING GARDEN and GREENHORN RANCH.

• MANDATORY Evacuation notice for the residents along Highway 70 from Chandler Road east to Squirrel Creek Road (also known as the Road to Argentine).

• Evacuation ADVISORY Alert for the residents of Chandler Road, from Highway 70 east to Carol Lane East.

• Emergency responders were going door to door making notifications.

  Quincy High School remains an Evacuation Center for local residences. No small animals are able to be accommodated at the high school. The Red Cross is currently working to establish a secondary evacuation center.

  Road Closure: Highway 70 remains CLOSED between Spring Garden and Quincy La Porte Road. La Porte Road and Thompson Creek Road remain closed. Union Pacific Railroad also has a closure affected by the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit remains closed. For further information on closures go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

  For immediate text notifications sign up for the Plumas County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System on their website at https://www.plumascounty.us/2163/. Evacuation questions should be directed to your County Sheriff's office non-emergency number. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office: (530) 283-6375.

  Visit CalTrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest maps with road closures in your area.

  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.

#ClaremontFire EVACUATION INFORMATION 8/23 at 8PM This is the most current evacuation and Road Closure information for Plumas County related to the Claremont Fire. This post supersedes and/or affirms all earlier posts.Hwy 70 remains CLOSED from East Quincy to Rattle Snake Road area (just west of Cromberg).We will add updated fire information later this evening when the evening update is released by the Incident Command.#NorthComplex #BearFire #PlumasCounty #PlumasNF

UPDATED EVACUATION INFORMATION 08/23/20 at 6:15PM

MANDATORY Evacuation notice for the residents of SPRING GARDEN and GREENHORN RANCH. You should leave the area immediately!Emergency responders are currently going door to door making notifications.

 UPDATED EVACUATION INFORMATION 08/23/20 at 4PM
MANDATORY Evacuation notice for the residents along Highway 70 from Chandler Road east to Squirrel Creek Road (also known as the Road to Argentine). Evacuation ADVISORY Alert for the residents of Chandler Road, from Highway 70 east to Carol Lane East. Emergency respondents are currently going door to door making notifications.

RED FLAG WARNING & WEATHER UPDATE

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Sunday evening into Monday due to a threat of lightning and strong outflow winds. Not the news anyone wants to hear but lightning can create new fires starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity.

The main period of concern for thunderstorms will be Sunday evening through Monday morning. Additional storms are possible Monday and Tuesday mainly across the southern Sierra and western Nevada Basin and Range where a Fire Weather Watch remains in effect.

VIEW the Attachment for a Detailed Report on Conditions.

#NorthComplex SMOKE OUTLOOK 8-23-2020

 Widespread residual smoke continues to linger in the area. Fire activity yesterday created more smoke which moved N/NE of the fires and settled in lower lying areas overnight. Similar conditions are expected to continue today with some smoke mixing out earlier than yesterday.Air Quality is forecasted to be "Unhealthy" and people within Sensitive Groups should AVOID ALL physical outdoor activities.For more smoke information:California Smoke Information -http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/?m=1AirNow Air Quality Map-https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/