Walker Fire September 11, 2019 AM Update

Incident Start Date: 9/4/2019 Size: 48,321 acres Containment: 20% Structures Lost: 0
Resources Assigned: Engines: 110 Handcrews: 30 Dozers: 17 Helicopters: 6 Water Tenders: 13 Total Personnel: 1,284

Current Situation:

QUINCY, CA. – A moment of silence was held at this morning’s briefing to recognize the victims of 9/11.

Additional firefighters and equipment, requested by the Incident Management Team are arriving to the fire, steadily increasing the total personnel since the origination. This increase in resources has been a crucial part of controlling the fire and increasing containment. During last night’s evening shift, progress was made constructing containment line utilizing dozers farther south of Doyle Crossing. Firefighters patrolled, increased the depth of mop up operations, and strengthened containment lines.

Moderate fire behavior is predicted today by the Incident Meteorologist and Fire Behavior Analyst. These conditions are allowing crews to aggressively construct additional direct hand and dozer lines along the fire’s edge. Significant improvement in the percentage of containment is anticipated today. Today’s focus will be extending the northeast dozer line continuing south in order to develop better containment on the east flank. Steep terrain in the northwest limits the ability to construct direct handline in some areas. Crews will construct handline along the fire perimeter where possible in conjunction with dozers and crews constructing indirect line to achieve containment on the western flank. In these areas of steep and difficult terrain, when conditions permit, firefighters may conduct firing operations to secure their constructed indirect lines.

Evacuations: The Plumas County Sheriff has reduced the Evacuation Level from Mandatory to Advisory in all areas except the Murdock Crossing and Stoney Ridge areas. Those residents that return to their homes should continue to monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate the area if conditions worsen. For the most current information regarding evacuation levels, please contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s office at (530) 283-6300.

Forest Closures: Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order for the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts. Please see Inciweb for full closure information and map of closure area.

Road Closures: Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed through the fire area.

For updates http://www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6568/.

Plumas County Evacuations Reduced
The Plumas County Sheriff has reduced the Evacuation Level from Mandatory to Advisory in all areas except the Murdock Crossing and Stoney areas. Those residents that return to their homes should continue to monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate the area if conditions worsen.

For the most current information regarding evacuation levels, please contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s office at (530) 283-6300

QUINCY, CA. – Today fire activity was minimal because of wetting rain which fell over the majority of the fire this morning. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity reduced fire activity. Fire crews seized the opportunity to strengthen existing fireline and construct new line closer to the fire’s edge, increasing the percentage of containment. A second fire camp has been established on the eastern side of the fire in order to position firefighters closer to the east side of the fire and to reduce heavy truck traffic on local roads. Firefighters will continue to take advantage of the current weather conditions by establishing dozer and hand lines directly along the fire perimeter. Firefighters were briefed on the cultural and historic values threatened by the fire and ways to mitigate damage to these important resources during suppression activities. Night crews will continue to strengthen and hold established containment line.

Evacuations: The Plumas County Sheriff has reduced the Evacuation Level from Mandatory to Advisory in all areas except the Murdock Crossing and Stoney areas. Those residents that return to their homes should continue to monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate the area if conditions worsen. For the most current information regarding evacuation levels, please contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s office at (530) 283-6300.

Forest Closures: Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order for the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts. Please see Inciweb for full closure information and map of closure area.

Road Closures: Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed through the fire area. Hwy 395 will remain open to through traffic.

QUINCY, CA. –Firefighting resources are working day and night, utilizing effective fire suppression tactics to achieve success in containing the Walker Fire. The fire is 47,340 acres and firefighters increased containment to 12%. Personnel from different states and agencies make up the 1,096 assigned to the fire.

Firefighters engaged the fire overnight in cooler weather conditions. The fire pushed against containment line in the northeast and crews quickly took suppression action to contain several small spot fires. Northeastern containment line will be improved by extinguishing hot spots utilizing the hoselays in place. Any heat along the fireline and into the interior of the fire will be removed, which is referred to as mopping up. The fire pushed on the southeast edge of the perimeter as well. Crews constructed containment line to control several spot fires in this area and will be reinforcing and strengthening the line for predicted northwest winds. Crews patrolled firelines across the north which held after tactical firing was used to burnout the fuel adjacent to the fireline, reinforcing and creating a buffer to strengthen and secure existing containment lines. Crews patrolled the southwest and southern edge of the fire, holding existing fireline. Containment lines were constructed moving north on the west side towards Wheeler Peak. Crews will extend that containment line further along the west side working from the north and south. As conditions permit, crews will implement tactical firing operations supported by ground and air resources. This can produce more visible smoke. Fire crews will hold and mop up along the Forest Road 25N42, Flournoy road and patrol the southwestern edge near structures surrounded by fireline and hoselays.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecasted today. Thunderstorms can produce gusty, erratic winds and visible smoke may change directions as winds may change as the system moves through the fire area.

Evacuation Orders- On Sept. 9th, the Lassen County Sheriff's Office reduced the Mandatory Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning for residents previously under a Mandatory Evacuation residing along Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Road (Wales Canyon) to the Laufman Grade (Old Hwy 59), including the communities of Milford and Brockman Canyon. Check stations at the primary roads in Milford will restrict access to Milford residents only. The Evacuation Warning means residents should be prepared to evacuate the area. Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for Antelope Lake to the Plumas county line, the Genesee Valley road corridor, the Ward Creek area, and the Flournoy Bridge area. The Evacuation Center at Lassen County Fairgrounds has closed.

Forest Closures-Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order for the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts. Please see Inciweb for full closure information and map of closure area.

Road Closures- Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy

Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed

through the fire area. Hwy 395 will remain open to through traffic.

Fire activity moderated today with lower temperatures and increased relative humidity over the area. The fire is 44,307 acres and containment is 10%. Currently 825 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Handcrews continued firing operations on the north side of the fire along County Road 176. The fire held on the north side and dozers continued building line to mitigate the spot fire on the northeast. Crews continued mop-up operations on the southeast flank of the fire north of Ingalls Peak utilizing aircraft and engine resources for water delivery. The west flank of the fire is holding along Wheeler Ridge. Containment lines held on Forest Road 25N42, Flournoy Road. Crews will continue structure defense, containment operations, and holding what’s in place through the night.

Evacuation Orders- Effective Sept. 9, 2019 11 a.m. The Lassen County Sheriff's Office reduced the Mandatory Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning for residents previously under a Mandatory Evacuation residing along Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Road (Wales Canyon) to the Laufman Grade (Old Hwy 59), including the communities of Milford and Brockman Canyon. They have established a re-population plan and check stations at the primary roads in Milford will restrict access to Milford residents only. Security patrols will continue into the evening hours. The Evacuation Warning means residents should be prepared to evacuate the area. Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for Antelope Lake to the Plumas county line, the Genesee Valley road corridor, the Ward Creek area, and the Flournoy Bridge area. An Evacuation Center is set up at Lassen County Fairgrounds.

Forest Closures-Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order for the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts. Please see Inciweb for full closure information and map of closure area. Road Closures- Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed through the fire area. Hwy 395 will remain open to through traffic.

Effective Sept. 9, 2019 11 a.m. The Lassen County Sheriff's Office is reducing the Mandatory Evacuation Order for residents previously under a Mandatory Evacuation residing along Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Road (Wales Canyon) to the Laufman Grade (Old Hwy 59), including the communities of Milford and Brockman Canyon.
They have established a re-population plan and check stations at the primary roads in Milford will restrict access to Milford residents only. Security patrols will continue into the evening hours. The Evacuation Warning means residents should be prepared to evacuate the area. Sign up for CodeRed at https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/BFB7CC4C6C0A.

QUINCY, CA. – A mapping flight in the evening updated the acreage to 43,931 acres and containment is 7%. Currently 825 personnel are assigned to the fire.

The fire activity decreased last night over the fire area. Containment line that is in place held. On the east side of the fire, dozer line was constructed around the northeastern leading edge of the fire near Round Mountain and Stoney Creek. Hose lays will be installed to reinforce the containment lines. Dozers continued progress constructing dozer line advancing north from Ingalls Peak. Crews constructed line directly along the southeast-east edge of the fire which held as well. Firefighters constructed fireline around the structures on the southwest edge of the fire to further protect the structures. The fire is staying in place at the 25N42 road.

Structure preparation is complete around structures to the west of Wheeler Peak drainage. Dozers and handcrews made good progress building fireline along the west side of the fire progressing north. Crews working around the fire will continue constructing containment line and holding what’s in place.

Evacuation Orders- Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for residents residing along Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Road (Wales Canyon) to the Laufman Grade (Old Hwy 59), including the communities of Milford and Brockman Canyon. Antelope Lake to the Plumas county line, the Genesee Valley road corridor, the Ward Creek area, and the Flournoy Bridge area remain under mandatory evacuation orders. An Evacuation Center is set up at Lassen County Fairgrounds.

Forest Closures-Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order for the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts. Please see Inciweb for full closure information and map of closure area.

Road Closures- Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed through the fire area. Hwy 395 will remain open to through traffic.

For updates http://www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6568/.

QUINCY, CA. – As of 6:00 p.m., California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has taken command of the Walker Fire. The fire is 38,049 acres and containment increased to 7%. Currently 825 personnel are assigned to the fire. A community meeting was held in Janesville this afternoon to provide fire information to the public.

After the fire made a significant run to the east overnight, crews took suppression action which successfully continued today. They constructed containment line directly along the fire’s edge around the head of the fire near Round Mountain and Stoney Creek and were able to stop the fire’s forward advancement to the east with fireline that held. Dozers continued their progress constructing dozer line around the south side of the fire to Ingalls Peak as crews constructed line directly along the southeast-east edge of the fire which held as well. Resources secured the fireline along the southwest edge of the fire near structures and line was constructed to the north of the Genesee Valley Road structures to further secure them. The fire is holding at the 25N42 road.

Structure preparation is complete on structures to the west of Wheeler Peak drainage. Opportunities for fireline construction on the west side of the fire have been identified and tonight crews plan to start constructing fireline in that area. Firefighters will continue to build on the progress made today, constructing containment line and holding what’s in place overnight.

Evacuation Orders- Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for residents residing along Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Road (Wales Canyon) to the Laufman Grade (Old Hwy 59), including the communities of Milford and Brockman Canyon. Antelope Lake to the Plumas county line, the Genesee Valley road corridor, the Ward Creek area, and the Flournoy Bridge area remain under mandatory evacuation orders. An Evacuation Center is set up at Lassen County Fairgrounds, 195 Russell Ave. Susanville, CA 96130. Residents who need accommodations can proceed to Quincy and contact the Sheriff’s Office. Sign up for CodeRed at https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/BFB7CC4C6C0A.

Road Closures- Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed through the fire area. Hwy 395 will remain open to through traffic.

For updates http://www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6568/.

WALKER FIRE COMMUNITY MEETING

September 8, 2019 3:00PM

The Walker Fire Incident Management Team will be holding a community meeting today, September 8th at 3:00pm. The meeting will be in the gym at Janesville Elementary School located at 464-555 Main St. in Janesville. Fire Management personnel will provide a fire update and answer questions on planned actions.

QUINCY, CA. – As of this morning, the Walker Fire is 5% contained and 38,049 acres. A sustained 18 mile an hour wind impacted fire activity during the evening hours and the fire made a significant run spotting ahead of itself to the east in the Round Mountain area. Resources were sent to construct fireline ahead of the fire while other crews continued their progress constructing dozer line around the south side of the fire to Ingalls Peak. Resources patrolled and secured the fireline along the southwest edge of the fire and held the fire at the 25N42 road.

Today crews will continue securing the 25N42 road and patrol around structures on the southwest and southern edge of the fire looking for spot fires. Structure preparation will continue on structures west of the Wheeler Peak drainage, in the Antelope Lake area, as well as further east of the fire. More resources have arrived and will continue to construct containment line along the fire’s edge where possible, reinforce roads used for containment, as well as look for areas further out from the fire to construct fireline with the highest probability of successfully containing the fire. Crews will continue to be supported by aircraft as smoke and wind permit.

Evacuation Orders- Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in place for residents residing along Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Road (Wales Canyon) to the Laufman Grade (Old Hwy 59), including the communities of Milford and Brockman Canyon. Antelope Lake to the Plumas county line, the Genesee Valley road corridor, the Ward Creek area, and the Flournoy Bridge area remain under mandatory evacuation orders. An Evacuation Center is set up at Lassen County Fairgrounds, 195 Russell Ave. Susanville, CA 96130. Residents who need accommodations can proceed to Quincy and contact the Sheriff’s Office. Sign up for CodeRed at https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/BFB7CC4C6C0A.

Road Closures- Janesville Grade, Genesee Valley road at the Flournoy Bridge, Antelope Lake road from the Flournoy Bridge to Antelope Dam, and beginning at the Flournoy Bridge turnoff, the 111 Beckwourth-Genesee road is closed through the fire area. Hwy 395 will remain open to through traffic.

For updates http://www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6568/.