UPDATE as of 6:30 a.m., August 22, 2020

This will be the last update from California Interagency IMT 10 on the Loyalton Fire. Any further updates will be issued only should conditions change.

Current Situation:  The fire was quiet again overnight. Crews patrolled and looked for heat, but saw very little activity.

Firefighters are mopping up and making sure no burning logs or remaining hot spots could possibly threaten containment lines. They are also working at suppression repair, especially on dozer lines, to prevent erosion when winter rains arrive.

Infrared mapping shows several islands of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter. Visitor and residents are advised that these islands may continue to ignite and burn. However, they pose no threat to the fire’s containment at this point.

Smoke: The numerous other fires in the region have seen severe fire behavior and smoke production, which continues to impact the air quality in this forecast area. Expect overall unhealthy conditions in the forecast area through today. The best chance of a slight reprieve will be in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at More information about smoke in California is available at:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/

Weather:  Temperatures today are predicted to be similar to yesterday, with slightly decreased winds and some clouds moving into the area by afternoon. These clouds indicate a coming change in weather, Lightning, with little associated precipitation, is expected to move into the area over the next few days.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975

Evacuations

All evacuations associated with the Loyalton Fire are now lifted.

Road Closures

There are no road closures associated with the Loyalton Fire.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area has been issued the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

UPDATE as of 6:30 p.m., August 21, 2020

Current Situation:

The fire was relatively quiet again today, despite winds which picked up considerably in the afternoon.

Today crews worked to mop up containment lines, gaining at least 100 feet of cold black from the fire’s edge. They also began suppression repair, which includes repairing dozer lines to prevent erosion caused by winter rains. They continued to backhaul excess trash and equipment as well.

Firefighters were alerted that one additional home and 27 outbuildings (many of which were abandoned) have been destroyed by the Loyalton Fire. These structures were in the southern area of the fire and likely burned during the first several days.

Tonight will be the last scheduled night shift. Crews will continue to patrol firelines and extinguish any hot spots as needed.

Smoke: The numerous other fires in the region have seen severe fire behavior and smoke production again today, which has continued to impact the air quality in this forecast area. Expect overall unhealthy conditions in the forecast area through today and tomorrow. The best chance of a slight reprieve will be in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralSierra

More information about smoke in California is available at:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/

Weather: While the Red Flag Warning for the fire area has expired, extremely dry conditions, along with gusty winds, which cause critical conditions for firefighters.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975

Evacuations

All evacuations associated with the Loyalton Fire are now lifted.

Road Closures

There are no road closures associated with the Loyalton Fire.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area has been issued the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

UPDATE as of 6:30 a.m., August 21, 2020

Current Situation: Crews worked overnight to find and extinguish heat sources interior to containment lines near Balls Canyon Ranch and along the southern fire perimeter. Priorities today are to continue strength lines, backhaul excess equipment, and identify remaining heat sources.

Smoke: Air quality conditions are predicted to be unhealthy overall, with periods of very unhealthy conditions. Unfortunately, weather conditions are expected to persist through Saturday so this forecast area will continue to see smoke impacts from other regional fires. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralSierra

More information about smoke in California is available at:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/

Weather: While the Red Flag Warning for the fire area has expired, extremely dry conditions, along with gusty winds, do imply critical conditions for firefighters.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975

Evacuations

All evacuations are now lifted with the exception of Long Valley Road and Balls Canyon Road. 

Road Closures

There are currently no road closures associated with the Loyalton Fire.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area has been issued the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

UPDATE as of 6:30 p.m., August 20, 2020

Current Situation: As of 6:30 p.m., no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Firefighters continued to work today to strengthen completed line around the fire. The northern edge is mopped up to 100 feet or more in most places, but the southern edge still needs work to be considered contained. Crews will continue that work tonight.

While the perimeter of the fire is lined, residents and motorists can expect to see occasional flareups as unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite and burn.

Smoke: Expect air quality conditions to be overall unhealthy with periods of very unhealthy for tomorrow. Unfortunately, weather conditions are expected persist through Saturday so this forecast area will continue to see smoke impacts from other regional fires. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralSierra

More information about smoke in California is available at:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9 p.m. tonight. Winds were lighter today, but relative humidity dropped quickly as the sun came up: dropping from 75% in the morning to 7% by 2 p.m. , indicating very dry conditions.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations

All evacuations are now lifted with the exception of Long Valley Road and Balls Canyon Road. 

Road Closures

There are currently no road closures associated with the Loyalton Fire.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area has been issued the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

Current Situation: As of 6:30 a.m., no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.

While winds stayed active overnight, they did not hamper the firefighting effort on the Loyalton Fire. Crews worked to connect dozer and hand lines along the southern edge, completing line completely around the fire. However, those lines have not been tested and high winds today could prove challenging. Firefighters will work today to strengthen those lines.

The northern edge of the fire has been cold for the last 24 hours, despite being tested by winds yesterday and overnight. However, unburned islands of vegetation inside the perimeter may continue to ignite and burn. Crews will continue to patrol for hot spots.

Smoke: Multiple new fires (mostly from last week’s lightning) are causing a drastic decrease in air quality throughout the state. Another inversion is expected to set up overnight, and visibility may be impaired due to smoky conditions.
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/

Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through the evening for high temperatures and strong, gusty winds. The Red Flag Warning is in effect through the evening of August 20, 2020.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations

·       All evacuations for Sierra Brooks have been lifted.
 
·       All evacuations for Copperfield have been lifted.

·       All evacuations for Vinton and Chilcoot have been lifted.

·       All evacuations in Lassen County have been lifted.

·       All evacuations for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown have been lifted.

·       Evacuation Advisories have been lifted for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point, and in the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49

·       Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road and Long Valley Road

Road Closures

·       Hwy 49 is currently open.

·       Hwy 395 is currently open.

·       Hwy 70 is currently open.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area has been issued the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

Current Situation: As of 6:30 p.m., no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Predicted high winds caused fire activity to pick up after noon today. Containment lines were tested by the wind, and crews worked through the afternoon to ensure that minimal fire spread occurred outside of constructed lines. Containment held well on the top of the fire, with very little heat observed. The most active area of the fire was between Burma Summit and Balls Canyon Ranch, where some small spots occurred. However, the wind was mostly at firefighter’s backs, and they were able to pick those spots up promptly.

Firefighters also worked to construct indirect fireline (line away from the fire’s active edge) and contingency lines should they be unable to stop the fire progression directly along its existing perimeter. This proposed contingency line is north of Babbit Peak. 

Smoke: Multiple new fires (mostly from last week’s lightning) are causing a drastic decrease in air quality throughout the state. Another inversion is expected to set up overnight, and visibility may be impaired due to smoky conditions.
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/

Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through the evening for high temperatures and strong, gusty winds. The Red Flag Warning is in effect through the evening of August 20, 2020.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations

·       All evacuations for Vinton and Chilcoot have been lifted.

·       All evacuations in Lassen County have been lifted.

·       All evacuations for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown have been lifted.

·       Evacuation Advisories have been lifted for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point, and in the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49

·       Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.

·       An Evacuation Advisory remains in effect for Sierra Brooks.

Road Closures

·       Hwy 49 is currently open.

·       Hwy 395 is currently open.

·       Hwy 70 is currently open.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area has been issued the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Current Situation: As of 6:30 a.m., no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.

The fire was considerably quieter overnight than it has been for the last few days. Activity was visible behind Bug Station on the east side of Highway 395, but the flare up was within the burn perimeter, and firefighters quickly extinguished it. While line along the top of the fire continues to hold well, unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite and burn.

Crews worked overnight to attack the fire directly on its southeastern edge, working into Balls Canyon as possible with dozers and hand crews. They continued to build and strengthen indirect line (built away from the fire) on the southern edge. The priority today is to complete this line in advance of today’s predicted winds. The fire remained active in this area overnight.

At 8 p.m. yesterday evening, the nationwide Planning Level was increased to Planning Level 5, indicating that Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas. With multiple fires in California and nationwide, this means that firefighting resources are in high demand across the country.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for high temperatures and strong, gusty, winds.

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations

·       Advisory evacuations for Sierra Brooks remains in place.

·       All evacuations for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown have been lifted.

·       Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.

·       Evacuation Advisory for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point 

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.

·       All Evacuation in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes.

Road Closures

·       Hwy 49 is currently open.

·       Hwy 395 is currently open.

·       Hwy 70 is currently open.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

Current Situation: As of 6:30 p.m., no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Favorable weather conditions allowed crews to get good work done on the Loyalton Fire today, with mop up around the top of the fire to at least 100 ft of the fireline. These lines have held well for several days. On the east side, dozers made good progress in the Balls Canyon area creating containment directly on the fire’s edge. On the southern edge of the fire, firefighters worked to construct indirect fireline (away from the fire’s active edge) along Bald Mountain Ridge toward Bald Mountain, while also working to suppress the fire at its edge as conditions permitted.

Weather conditions were more favorable for the Loyalton Fire today, with no significant thunderstorm activity directly over the fire. Conditions are expected to remain light through the night shift, with a Red Flag Warning predicted for tomorrow for high temperatures and gusty winds.

Increased fire activity has seen more crews committed and resources spread thin nationally. California is currently in Planning Level (PL5) meaning that the Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas.

Weather: Temperatures today are expected to be similar to yesterday, with light winds and some precipitation (including possible thunderstorms) predicted before sunset.  

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations:

·       Advisory evacuation order for Sierra Brooks

·       Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.

·       Evacuation Advisory for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point 

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown.

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.

·       All Evacuation in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes.

Road Closures:

·       Hwy 49 is currently open.

·       Hwy 395 is currently open.

·       Hwy 70 is currently open.

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Closures: Highway 70 is open, but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure. Hwy 395 is reopened. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slowly with headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

 Current Situation: As of 6:30 a.m., no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.

A strong thunder cell at around 7:30 p.m. last night caused an increase in fire behavior, with most of the spread to the south and west. The fire activity did decrease after about midnight as the cell passed, and some of the fire did receive rain. Crews detected several lightning strikes within the fire area, including one close to the Bordertown off-ramp from Highway 395, which was successfully extinguished.

Crews focused last night on community protection east of Loyalton, and in keeping the fire northeast of Sierra Brooks. Their goal today will be to continue tying indirect dozer line to the road system north and east of Babbitt Peak. Much of the fire line there has been constructed, and firefighters will continue that work today. The northern and eastern sides of the fire continued to hold well.

Due to an abundance of lightning, California is currently in Planning Level 5 (Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas) and both Federal and State resources are in high demand. Firefighters have mobilized from across the country to assist.

Weather: Temperatures today are expected to be similar to yesterday, with light winds and some precipitation (including possible thunderstorms) predicted before sunset.  

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations:

·       Mandatory evacuation order for Sierra Brooks

·       Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.

·       Evacuation Advisory for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point 

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown.

·       Evacuation adviroies remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.

·       Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.

·       All Evacuation in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes.

Road Closures:

·       Hwy 49 is closed at Railroad Avenue in Loyalton

·       Hwy 395 is currently open.

·       Hwy 70 is currently open and under and advisory evacuation

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Closures: Highway 70 is open, but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure. Hwy 395 is reopened. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slowly with headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.

Current Situation: As of 6:30 p.m., no additional structures were damaged or destroyed by the fire. Thunderstorms over the fire provided some wetting rain, but also several lightning-caused starts within the fire below the fire area to the south. Outflow winds caused fire activity to pick up toward evening. There is a new EVACUATION ADVISORY for the eastern outskirts of Loyalton.

The narrow finger that run yesterday toward Dog Creek Road did hold to the south, but the wind from the thunderstorm pushed the fire to the west. Firefighters are now working to tie indirect fireline (away from the fire’s edge) south and west toward Babbitt Peak.

The northern and eastern edges of the fire held through the day.

Fire activity picked up again in the state, moving California into Planning Level 5: Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas.

Weather: Temperatures tonight are expected to be similar to yesterday, with light winds and some precipitation predicted before sunset.  

A downloadable version of this update and maps are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6975.

Evacuations:

·       An evacuation advisory has been issued for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point 

·       Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.

·       Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown.

·       Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.

·       Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.

·       Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the area of Sierra Brooks, other than the mandatory area mentioned above.

·       All Evacuation Orders in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes.

Road Closures:

·       Hwy 395 is currently open.

·       Hwy 70 is currently open and under and advisory.

·       Hwy 49 is currently open

Forest Closures

A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/

Closures: Highway 70 is open, but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure. Hwy 395 is reopened. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slowly with headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.

Go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.