SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 8 am

North Complex Morning Update

Resources: 31 dozers, 160 engines, 24 hand crews, 15 helicopters, 53 water tenders, 19 other heavy equipment

Community boards: Fire staff are posting information daily throughout the communities impacted by the North Complex fires. Find out where here: https://arcg.is/18vnSe

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.

The Bear Fire saw clean air and an uptick in fire activity Monday. Firefighters were able to utilize air resources to proactively attack the western edge near Hose Mine. Helicopters dropped 15,000 gallons of retardant in the area in an effort to prevent future spread deeper into the Willow Creek drainage. The fire also pushed toward Lookout Rock and crossed the Pacific Crest Trail.

Today, crews will strengthen line and utilize the interior road system to build indirect lines as well as seek out opportunities to go more direct along the fire’s edge. Structure protection units are in place throughout the area west and northwest of the fire including the Highlands community, Bucks Lake, Haskins Valley, and other significant structural assets.

The top priority for the Claremont Fire will be to hold the fire in its current footprint and catch any potential spot fires as a wind shift will test containment lines today. One area of focus will be the southeast edge between Spring Garden Road and Peoria Creek. Crews have worked to line and install hose lays around spot fires in that area for several days. To the west, the portion of the fire’s edge between Bray Creek to Quincy-La Porte Road will be patrolled and mopped up as crews were able to secure the line through strategic firing operations Monday and into the night last night.

With the western movement of the Claremont Fire, tactical firing operations might be used in conjunction with ground and aviation resources to help control the fire. Firing operations are used to increase the width of fire lines and build a bigger “catcher’s mitt” to stop the fire’s progress when and where it is safe to do so.

Weather: East winds and lower humidity will return to the fire area today and could result in an increase in fire activity, especially along the fire’s western edge. Temperatures will remain warm as the forecast calls for a chance of record highs in the coming days.

Air Quality: Northeast and east winds today and tonight will lead to good air quality conditions east and north of the North Complex fires, but areas to the west of the fires, including the community of La Porte and Little Grass Valley Reservoir, will be in the path of the smoke. Light to moderate smoke will impact the Oroville area throughout the day. Smoke will settle into valleys west and southwest of the fires tonight. Quincy will continue to see poor air quality, but likely be improved compared to Monday.

Closures/Evacuation changes: Plumas County – All evacuations and closures remain the same and can be found at https://plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information

Plumas National Forest: Campgrounds closed include Rock Creek, Deanes Valley, Meadow Camp, Red Bridge, Brady’s Camp, Cleghorn Bar, Stag Point, Hartman Bar & Butte Bar. Trails include: Oddie Bar, No Ear Bar, McCarthy Bar, Hartman Bar, PCT from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit, Butte Bar - PCT Tie, Minerva Bar, Hottentot, Jackson Creek (Beckwourth RD), Lost Cabin Springs, and Bachs Creek. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Bear, Sheep and Claremont fires, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices.

Lassen County – All Evacuation Orders in Lassen County related to the Sheep fire have been lifted.

The dirt portion of Gold Run Road remains closed and the dirt portion of Wingfield Road is open to residents only

Lassen National Forest: Forest Service Road 29N03, Roxie Peconom and Goumaz campgrounds are closed. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Sheep Fire, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices

For text notifications about emergency alerts, sign up for the Plumas and Lassen County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System from their respective websites: Plumas—https://www.plumascounty.us/; Lassen —http://www.lassencounty.org/dept/sheriffs-office/sheriffs-office 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 the surrounding communities.

 See related file for today's SMOKE OUTLOOK

North Complex Evening Update 
AUGUST 31, 2020 8 pm
 
Resources:  31 dozers, 160 engines, 24 hand crews, 15 helicopters, 53 water tenders, 19 other heavy equipment 

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. Firefighters were able to attack the southwest edge of the Bear Fire today and take advantage of clear air brought on by northerly winds. Helicopters dropped 15,000 gallons of retardant as the fire pushed toward Hose Mine in the Willow Creek drainage. The wind shift and clear air allowed the fire to breath but growth was minimal at less than 200 acres and containment is reported at 10%.  

Fire activity throughout the rest of the Bear perimeter was moderate but interior pockets of fuel continued to burn. Personnel are scouting for areas were crews can take direct action along the fire’s edge, but, given the terrain and resources available, indirect line remains the focus. Structure protection resources are in place throughout the Bucks Lake and Haskins Valley neighborhoods. On the Claremont Fire, crews held the fire in its footprint across all sides and worked to mop up several spot fires from Sunday. Those spots – some near Estray Creek on the east side of Highway 70, some west toward the Harrison Flat, Bray Creek and Red Bridge areas – have all been contained, lined and mopped up.  Firefighters will patrol the Claremont tonight and mop up any hot spots that pose a threat to the line.  

Weather: North winds pushed smoke out of the fire area for several hours resulting in a moderate increase in fire behavior. Tonight, winds will turn northeast at 5-10 mph on the Claremont Fire and 5-15 mph on the Bear Fire.  

Tuesday’s forecast calls for east winds and reduced humidity as well as continued warmer temperatures. 

Air Quality: Northerly winds brought clear air for a portion of the day today but communities downwind of the fire did not see much relief. Tomorrow’s east wind will bring poorer air quality for communities to the west. The greatest impacts again are seen closest to the fire, with Quincy and Portola seeing the highest smoke concentrations. 

Closures/Evacuation changes: Plumas County – All evacuations and closures remain the same and can be found at https://plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information  

Plumas National Forest: Campgrounds closed include Rock Creek, Deanes Valley, Meadow Camp, Red Bridge, Brady’s Camp, Cleghorn Bar, Stag Point, Hartman Bar & Butte Bar. Trails include: Oddie Bar, No Ear Bar, McCarthy Bar, Hartman Bar, PCT from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit, Butte Bar - PCT Tie, Minerva Bar, Hottentot, Jackson Creek (Beckwourth RD), Lost Cabin Springs, and Bachs Creek. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Bear, Sheep and Claremont fires, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices. 

Lassen County – All Evacuation Orders in Lassen County related to the Sheep fire have been lifted. 

The dirt portion of Gold Run Road remains closed and the dirt portion of Wingfield Road is open to residents only 

Lassen National Forest: Forest Service Road 29N03, Roxie Peconom and Goumaz campgrounds are closed. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Sheep Fire, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices 

For text notifications about emergency alerts, residents can sign up for the Plumas and Lassen County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System from their respective websites: Plumas—https://www.plumascounty.us/; Lassen —http://www.lassencounty.org/dept/sheriffs-office/sheriffs-office 

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 the surrounding communities. 

 UPDATED PRESS RELEASE 8/31/2020 12PM

  SHEEP (NORTH COMPLEX) FIRE

EVACUATION WARNINGS LIFTED

  All Evacuation Warnings related to the Sheep Fire have been lifted.   The following are instructions for residents returning home:   1.     Please use caution, reduce your speed, drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. 2.     Just because the flames are out doesn’t mean the danger is over.  Damaged trees, structural damage, and flash flooding are just some of the dangers that exist after a wildfire.  DO NOT put yourself or your loved ones in danger by exploring.  Expect to see hotspots for some time.  Do not call 911 to report unless there is an immediate threat to life or property.   Road Closures: 

·        Forest Service Road 29N03 by Roxie Peconom Campground. ·        The dirt portion of Gold Run Road. ·        The dirt portion of Wingfield Road is open to residents only. 
The Emergency Shelter at Lassen Community College is closed.

 See related file for today's SMOKE OUTLOOK

AUGUST 31, 2020 8 am

North Complex Information: (530) 316-4487; 9 am-9 pm
Email:2020.northcomplex.info@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas

North Complex Morning Update

Sheep - 29,527 acres, 38% contained

Claremont - 22,780 acres, 59% contained

Bear - 9,570 acres, 0% contained

Iron - 50 acres, 100% contained

Miscellaneous Small Fires - 90 acres, 100% contained
 
North Complex Totals - 62,017 acres, 37% contained, 1,555 personnel

Note: We are providing two updates, one for the North Complex – Claremont and Bear fires – and one for the Sheep Fire.

Resources: 31 dozers, 160 engines, 24 hand crews, 15 helicopters, 53 water tenders, 19 other heavy equipment

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.

Both the Claremont and Bear fires each grew roughly 500 acres Sunday as the forecasted dry cold front started to bring northerly winds but ultimately stalled well north of the fire area.

Overnight, firefighters on the Claremont Fire worked to contain and secure several small spot fires in the Squirrel Creek area near Greenhorn Ranch Road. Fire activity was relatively minimal elsewhere. Today, crews will continue to secure line throughout the perimeter with special focus on the Highway 70 corridor and Spring Garden to the east, the Harrison Flat, Estray Creek and Red Bridge areas along the southern edge and the west side of Sherwin Ravine to the west. Firefighters will continue to mop up areas of lingering heat and patrol for any hot spots that might remain.

On the Bear Fire, personnel are working on indirect dozer lines west and northwest of the fire to protect the areas near Haskins Valley and Bucks Lake. As new crews continue to come available and assigned to the fire, they will identify areas for more direct containment closer to the fire’s edge.

Firefighters on the Sheep Fire mopped up and contained a small number of spots fires from previous days on the northwest and southeast sides of the fire. All other sections of the fire were patrolled along the edge looking for any hot spots and mopping them up when located.

Weather: A dry cold front stalled north of the fire area but is expected to bring north and northwesterly winds to the area as well as extremely low humidity. This combination could lead to increased fire behavior to portions of the fires and smoke production. Conditions will remain dry and smoky with little drought relief in sight as increased temperatures are forecast for the coming week.

Air Quality: Northeast winds this morning will become northwest this afternoon, and then become northeast again tonight. Smoke that settled last night between Greenville and Portola and Sierra Valley is forecast to dissipate this afternoon but might return again this evening. The greatest impacts again are seen closest to the fire, with Quincy and Portola seeing the highest smoke concentrations. Air quality from Susanville east to the CA/NV state line should continue to improve.

Closures/Evacuation changes: Plumas County – All evacuations and closures remain the same and can be found at https://plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information Plumas National Forest: Evacuations and closures remain the same and can be found at https://plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information Plumas National Forest: Campgrounds closed include Rock Creek, Deanes Valley, Meadow Camp, Red Bridge, Brady’s Camp, Cleghorn Bar, Stag Point, Hartman Bar & Butte Bar. Trails include: Oddie Bar, No Ear Bar, McCarthy Bar, Hartman Bar, PCT from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit, Butte Bar - PCT Tie, Minerva Bar, Hottentot, Jackson Creek (Beckwourth RD), Lost Cabin Springs, and Bachs Creek. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Bear, Sheep and Claremont fires, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices.

Lassen County – All Mandatory Evacuation Orders related to the Sheep fire have been downgraded or lifted.

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following: south side of Richmond Road (golf course side) from Bauer Road, including Bauer Road to Highway 395 at the Susanville Ford Intersection and all driveways and roads accessed by the south side of Richmond Road; the Diane Drive subdivision; Wingfield Road and all roads accessed by Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Bass Hill Road (the dirt portion); Elysian Valley Road and all connecting roads west of Wingfield Road east including Indians Road, Walking Stick Way and Elysian Valley Way. Lassen National Forest: Forest Service Road 29N03, Roxie Peconom and Goumaz campgrounds are. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Sheep Fires, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices For text notifications about emergency alerts, residents can sign up for the Plumas and Lassen County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System from their respective websites: Plumas—https://www.plumascounty.us/; Lassen —http://www.lassencounty.org/dept/sheriffs-office/sheriffs-office

The evacuation center at Lassen Community College is closed. 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 the surrounding communities.

AUGUST 30, 2020 8 pm

North Complex Information: (530) 316-4487; 9 am-9 pm
Email:2020.northcomplex.info@firenet.gov

North Complex Evening Update

Note: We are providing two updates, one for the North Complex – Claremont and Bear fires – and one for the Sheep Fire.

Resources: 31 dozers, 160 engines, 24 hand crews, 15 helicopters, 53 water tenders, 19 other heavy equipment Community boards: Fire staff are posting information daily throughout the community. Find out where: https://arcg.is/18vnSe.

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.

Smoke held tight over both the Bear and Claremont fires today and impacted visibility. The low-to-no line of sight prevented aircraft from getting much reconnaissance work in to support firefighters on the ground. While the lingering smoke impeded air operations and blanketed much of Quincy and the surrounding area, it also helped to prevent significant fire growth.

The Bear Fire did grow to the west and crossed Willow Creek, but activity was minimal compared to Saturday. The fire also grew to the east, in the area of Deadman Spring.

With structure protection resources in place in Bucks Lake, Haskin Valley and surrounding areas, the priority of the day was to build indirect line to the north and northwest of the fire in case the fire ran toward those communities.

Firefighters on the Claremont Fire worked to complete strategic firing operations in the southeast corner of the fire. Crews are working to bring fire to Highway 70, the Middle Fork of the Feather River and a dozer line in Spring Garden to secure that edge of the fire. Once done with ignitions, crews worked to mop up the fire’s edge and make sure it’s contained for the night.

Firefighters continued to hold the fire in place and mop up any lingering heat throughout the remainder of the perimeter.

Weather: A dry cold front will move through this evening and will bring north and northwesterly winds to the area as well as extremely low humidity. This combination could lead to increased fire behavior and smoke production. Conditions will remain dry and smoky with little drought relief in sight as increased temperatures are forecast for the coming week.

Air Quality: Smoke briefly dissipated this afternoon and will return this evening. Impacts are again seen closest to the fire, with Quincy and Portola seeing the highest smoke concentrations. Visit www.airnow.gov for more information.

Closures/Evacuation changes: Plumas County – All evacuations and closures remain the same and can be found at https://plumascounty.us/2721/North-Complex-Fire-Information Plumas National Forest: The Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Bucks Summit remains closed as does Thompson Creek Road (Forest Road 24N26) and Red Bridge Campground. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Bear, Sheep and Claremont fires, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices.

Lassen County – All Mandatory Evacuation Orders related to the Sheep fire have been downgraded or lifted.

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following areas: The south side of Richmond Road (golf course side) from Bauer Road and including Bauer Road to Highway 395 at the Susanville Ford Intersection and all driveways and roads accessed by the south side of Richmond Road; the Diane Drive subdivision; Wingfield Road and all roads accessed by Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Bass Hill Road (the dirt portion); Elysian Valley Road and all connecting roads west of Wingfield Road east including Indians Road, Walking Stick Way and Elysian Valley Way. Lassen National Forest: Forest Service Road 29N03 by Roxie Peconom Campground is closed. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Sheep Fires, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices

For text notifications about emergency alerts, residents can sign up for the Plumas and Lassen County’s CodeRed Emergency Alert System from their respective websites: Plumas—https://www.plumascounty.us/; Lassen —http://www.lassencounty.org/dept/sheriffs-office/sheriffs-office

The evacuation center at Lassen Community College is closed. 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 the surrounding communities.

Pictures of aircraft in the field and up close

The mechanics of wildland fire suppression can be complex and fast paced because of the many ever-changing factors and variables in the fire environment. Whether it be different fuel types and terrain or geography and a new day’s weather. Firefighters must account for every dynamic to keep themselves and the surrounding communities safe.
With all the different types of firefighting apparatus, tools and personnel, aviation is perhaps one the most complex. It throws an entirely new set of logistics and safety elements into the mix of operations. 
As of August 29, 2020 the North Complex (the Bear, Claremont, Sheep and several other fires managed as one incident) has 16 helicopters assigned, one fixed wing air attack and other fixed wing aircraft on standby if needed including; retardant delivery ships such as MD-87s and DC-10s – known as the Very Large Air Tankers.
Aviation can serve a crucial part in fire suppression when used in tandem with the boots on the ground to accomplish what objectives are needed. Both ground and aviation resources must function together to be effective. Aerial assets slow the spread and progression of the fire so that the ground resources can get into place the stop and control the fire by constructing fire line, removing fuels and conducting burn out operations. 

When a weather inversion, smoke or other factors cause limited to no visibility, flight operations will be impeded because of the pilot’s inability to see the terrain, hazards and environment surrounding to include other aviation assets. These varying components will shut down flight operations until the air is clear and safe for the personnel on the ground, in the air and the public. It is not that the pilots do not want to fly, it is that air operations cannot and will not add more risk to an already potentially dangerous situation. When this happens aviation resources are moved to other divisions or areas other fires or use the downtime to do routine maintenance. 
“When you get into thick smoke, you can lose your vertical reference and orientation,” said Kyle Beinschroth, the Air Operations Branch Director for the North Complex. “The pilots have instruments but visual flight reference is preferred and they’ll always error on the side of safety.”
For a detailed list and information on all the types of aircraft used in firefighting operations and their capabilities, click here or visit https://www.nifc.gov/aviation/aviation_main.html

A Virtual Community Meeting will take place today, August 30 at 2pm.  

Representatives from the Fire Management team will be available to provide updates on the North Complex fires: Sheep, Claremont, & Bear  
 
Participants can join the live Zoom meeting via web address, or by dialing in and using the meeting ID. https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1603272350
  Meeting ID: 160 327 2350
One tap mobile +16692545252,,1603272350# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE 8/30/2020 1:30PM

SHEEP (NORTH COMPLEX) FIRE

CORRECTED REPOPULATION INFORMATION

All Mandatory Evacuation Orders related to the Sheep fire have been downgraded or lifted:

Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the following areas:

• The south side of Richmond Road (golf course side) from Bauer Road and including Bauer Road to Highway 395 at the Susanville Ford Intersection and all driveways and roads accessed by the south side of Richmond Road.
• The Diane Drive Subdivision.
• Wingfield Road and all roads accessed by Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Bass Hill Road (the dirt portion).
• Elysian Valley Road and all connecting roads west of Wingfield Road east including Indians Road, Walking Stick Way and Elysian Valley Way.

The following are instructions for residents returning home:

1.     Residents should be aware that changing conditions in fire activity may cause this area to escalate back to a mandatory evacuation order at any time. If you have evacuated large animals and vehicles, please keep them out of the area.

2.     Please use caution, reduce your speed, drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.

3.     Just because the flames are out doesn’t mean the danger is over.  Damaged trees, structural damage, and flash flooding are just some of the dangers that exist after a wildfire.  DO NOT put yourself or your loved ones in danger by exploring.  Expect to see hotspots for some time.  Do not call 911 to report unless there is an immediate threat to life or property.

Road Closures:

• Forest Service Road 29N03 by Roxie Peconom Campground.

For questions about whether your address is under warning or lifted status, please call (530)316-4487.