Sheep Fire – Morning Update

Acres:  15,776

Resources:  15 dozers, 47 engines, 5 hand crews, 2 helicopters, and 10 water tenders. Additional resources are arriving.

Current Situation: Fire behavior moderated again overnight, and crews were successful in establishing new dozer line on the east flank of the fire from Wingfield Road to the Diamond Mountain Motorway. Crews will perform a firing operation today in the Willard Creek-Cheney Creek Road area to secure the west flank of the fire. Crews will also continue to secure and strengthen both flanks while providing structure protection. Dry fuels, low humidities, and steep terrain continue to make for challenging firefighting conditions.

Weather: RED FLAG WARNING FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH MONDAY EVENING. There is increasing potential for isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms over much of Northern California. Lightning from dry thunderstorms will have the potential to start new fires.

Air Quality: Numerous regional fires continue to contribute dense smoke conditions across the region. Smoke impacts to communities are expected to be greatest late in the afternoon towards the evening. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/

Mandatory Evacuation Orders Remain in Place

• 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.

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 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 Coats Fire: estimated 315 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 14 miles southeast of Big Lake, Texas

The North Coats Fire is 100% contained and has been turned back over to the local fire departments to monitor.  

North Coats Fire: estimated 315 acres, 75% contained
Location: approximately 14 miles southeast of Big Lake, Texas

Planned actions for today will be to have dozer crews construct and improve containment lines around the fire. Engine crews will patrol and mop up hot spots close to the fire perimeter. Aerial resources will be utilized when available.  

Fire Weather: Initially southeast winds at 4-7 mph will become east-southeast at 7-10 mph early this afternoon. Relative humidity values at 55-60% this morning will drop below 40% by or before noon. Minimum relative humidity by late afternoon will be near 25%. High temperatures will reach the mid 90s.

North Coats Fire: estimated 315 acres, 75% contained
Location: approximately 14 miles southeast of Big Lake, Texas

Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) were very effective in checking up the fire quickly. Ground crews were able to gain access and make significant progress in constructing containment line. Resources will return tomorrow to continue constructing containment line, patrolling, and mopping up hot spots.  

8889 Fire: estimated 1,309 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 7 miles east of Monahans, Texas

The 8889 Fire is 100% contained and has been turned back over to the local fire departments to monitor.  

8889 Fire: estimated 1,300 acres, 75% contained
Location: approximately 7 miles east of Monahans, Texas

Planned actions for today will be to have dozer crews construct and improve containment lines around the fire. Engine crews will patrol and mop up hot spots close to the fire perimeter. Aerial resources will be utilized when available.  

Fire Weather: Winds near the fire site will persist out of the east-southeast for the next 24 to 36 hours with speeds generally below 15 mph. Temperatures will remain warm today in the mid 90s and humidity will fall near 20%. Similar conditions are expected tomorrow. No rain or thunderstorms are expected.  

8889 Fire: estimated 1,300 acres, 70% contained
Location: approximately 7 miles east of Monahans, Texas

Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) were very effective at stopping forward progression of the fire. Ground crews had difficulties accessing the area due to deep sand. Dozer crews made significant progress on constructing containment line. Engine crews patrolled and mopped up hot spots. All resources will return tomorrow to continue fire suppression efforts.  

The closure for the Cinnabar Fire area has been lifted. Hunters and others entering recently burned areas should exercise caution and understand that fire can create forest hazards. Fire-weakened trees may fall suddenly, and roots of trees can burn underground creating ash pits that may not be readily visible. Burned forests are especially hazardous in windy conditions.

The closure for the Cinnabar Fire area has been lifted. Hunters and others entering recently burned areas should exercise caution and understand that fire can create forest hazards. Fire-weakened trees may fall suddenly, and roots of trees can burn underground creating ash pits that may not be readily visible. Burned forests are especially hazardous in windy conditions.