Incident Update Dixie Fire

Situation Summary

DIXIE FIRE - EVACUATION ORDER AND EVACUATION WARNING (9/9/2021 4:00 pm)

WHAT: Lassen County evacuation order and warning changes

WHEN: EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

WHERE: EVACUATION ORDERS HAVE BEEN EXPANDED FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

North of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to Forest Services Route 32NO2 and north to the Blacks Mountain and Halls Flat Area. ZONES LAS-E035-A, D, G, H

EVACUATION WARNING HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE FOLLOWING AREA

North of Halls Flat area from the Lassen County Line east to Pittville Rd and north to Black Gulch Rd. ZONE LAS-E036-B

Blacks Mountain area from Pittville Rd east to Forest Route 34N30 north to Black Ridge Lookout Rd ZONE LAS-E036-C

ALL OTHER EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT

Dixie Fire West Zone:

Fire conditions continued to worsen today in the Shasta Sector due to dry fuels, a cold front entering the area which brought heavy winds and erratic fire behavior. The cold front in the area also brought unstable air to the region which promoted tall column development. This area is the number one priority of the management team. Additional hand crews and engines have been moved into the area to aggressively build and reinforce lines to protect the communities of Hat Creek and Old Station.

Efforts in the northern regions of the fire have been enhanced using the Burlington Northern Santa Fe fire train. The train can deliver 30,000 gallons of water, per load, to fill water tenders, allowing for a faster return to the fire. Firefighting forces in the branch were reinforced by the addition of troops from the California National Guard.

As the area of Lake Almanor has been repopulated, service calls continue to come in, as expected. Residents have been reporting smoke from smoldering vegetation.

In the Janesville and Milford area, high winds blew off the escarpment this afternoon with gusts up to 46 mph. However, all the lines held. Winds are expected to continue through the evening. The potential for increased fire activity in the unburned area between the fire and the Walker Burn scar is high. West Zone crews are working cooperatively with the East Zone crews up to the escarpment, mopping up and strengthening the line to keep the fire south of Janesville and Milford.

Resources in the Lassen Volcanic National Park continued to use fire retardant, mechanical equipment and all firefighting resources and techniques available to complete line in the steep and rugged terrain and extinguish the fire.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for thunderstorms and frontal winds that begin today through Friday. The forecast is for overnight winds from the southwest 10-20 MPH with gusts up to 40 mph.

Residents will see smoke coming from trees and stumps for days following their return. Proceed with caution, burned out areas may have unseen hazards. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they are concerned about any active flames near their homes or businesses. Damage assessment is ongoing. The changing count of threatened structures in the update is due to changes in fire status and the evacuation warnings in Lassen, Plumas and Shasta County.

*A firefighter assigned to the Dixie incident passed away, due to an illness on September 2.

Dixie Fire East Zone:

The National Weather Service in Reno issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity, in effect from 11 PM this evening to 11 PM PDT Friday. Critical fire weather conditions will develop this evening and last through Friday. Thunderstorms with potential dry lightning are possible, and gusty southwest winds will develop tonight and continue tomorrow. The forest is extremely dry, fuels on the forest floor are exceptionally receptive to sparks, and dry lightning could easily ignite new fires. Erratic outflow winds from thunderstorms tonight and continuing gusty winds will test containment lines and could cause new fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity.

On the steep slopes of the escarpment above Highway 395 south of Milford, hand crews were successful securing the edge and mopping up heat of the fire on and near the fire’s edge. Pockets of fire continue to burn in a series of timber stringers north of Dixie Mountain. Hand crews improved and added depth to containment lines successfully holding the fire north of the mountain’s west ridge. Task forces, made up of groups of engines, used water to mop up around structures in Dixie Valley, while hand crews reinforced containment lines wrapping around the southside of Horton Ridge. Heavy equipment crews continue building contingency lines in Dotta Valley, tying into the recent Sugar Fire, and using masticators to thin fuels along the Beckwourth-Genesee Road. Twenty-five miles of recently built containment line around Turner Ridge, north of Davis Lake, along Grizzly Ridge, and north towards Tower Rock, all held with no issues. In the inaccessible Devil’s Punchbowl area south of Taylorsville, hand crews actively engaged the fire with assistance from helicopters again today, wetting down hot spots with water drops and scouted the area for opportunities to attack the fire directly.

Dixie Fire Resources
CAL FIRE Website- https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
USFS Information- https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7690/

Shelter Locations

Shasta County

• Word of Life Assembly of God Church 37341 Main Street off HWY 299 Burney, CA 96013

Plumas County/Lassen County:

• Holy Family Catholic Church 108 Taylor Ave. Portola, CA (At Capacity)
• Sparks Convention Center Hall #5, 4590 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 
• American Red Cross: Public Information Line (855)-755-7711

Animal Shelters

Plumas County:

• Plumas County Fairgrounds 204 Fairground Road, Quincy (large animals)
• 201 Mill Creek Road, Quincy (small animals)
• Recreation Center 101 Meadowview Lane, Chester
• If you need assistance with animals contact Plumas County Animal Services at 283-3673 or 283-6300. Large animals/livestock can also be accommodated.

Wildlife Rescue 

• Response for injured wildlife: 1-800-942-6459
• Gold Country Wildlife Rescue: 1-530-885-0862

Road Closures

Public traveling in or near evacuated areas should follow egress route directions identified in the evacuation notifications. Directions provided by mobile devices and GPS units could lead drivers into hazardous areas.  Motorists are encouraged to call 1-800-427-7623 for highway information as roadway conditions remain dynamic.

Shasta County:

• Traffic is being diverted to northbound Highway 89 to Burney
• All roads between the park entrance and Wilcox Rd at HWY 89
• Highway 44 is closed through old station
• Road closures are at the intersection of Highway 89 and 44 at the entrance of Lassen National Park and at the intersection of Highway 89 at Wilcox Road to the north of Old Station.
• Highway 44 is closed at Road A21 on the Lassen County side.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) is closed.

Lassen County:

• Janesville Grade @ “Granite Lookout.”

Plumas County:

• Indian Falls Road @ SR-89. No westbound Indian Falls Road traffic.
• Greenville Wolf Creek Road just west of SR-89. No westbound Greenville Wolf Creek Road traffic.
• Pecks Valley Road northbound @ North Valley Road eastbound.
• North Valley Road northbound @ North Arm Road.
• Dixie Valley Road @ SR-89. No northbound Dixie Valley Road traffic.
• Arlington Road eastbound at Viacava Ranch Road. No eastbound Arlington Road traffic.
• Main Street both directions @ SR-89
• Beckwourth Genesee Road westbound @ Antelope Road

National Forest Closures

The Pacific Southwest Region is temporarily closing all R5 National Forests to provide better public and firefighter safety due to extreme fire conditions throughout the state and strained firefighting resources throughout the country. This closure will be effective on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. through September 17, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. This Order does not affect the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which is not in the Pacific Southwest Region. (See Regional Order No. 21-07: Emergency Forest Closure link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd949149.pdf).

The Lassen National Forest's Order No. 06-21-08: Expanded Dixie Fire Closure Order prohibits the public from entering within the Dixie Fire Closure Area or any National Forest System Roads or trails described in Exhibits A & B. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd940211.pdf). This Order is in effect until November 30, 2021.

The Plumas National Forest’s Order No. 05-11-00-21-21: Dixie Fire Phases 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Expanded Closure Order prohibits the public from entering within the Dixie Fire Closure Area or any National Forest System road or trail described in Exhibit A and B.

(https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd940207.pdf). This Order is in effect until September 30, 2021.

Bureau of Land Management

The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail near Susanville, as the Bureau of Land Management, has rescinded a temporary emergency closure associated with the Dixie Fire. Also reopened are the Hobo Camp and Devil’s Corral trailheads and all other BLM-managed lands that were affected by the emergency closure that went into effect on Aug. 16. This includes BLM-managed lands south of California Highway 36, west of U. S. 395. and north and east of the Lassen National Forest boundary.

Evacuee Campsites:

Lassen National Forest: The Lassen National Forest has the Christine Campground on Eagle Lake Ranger District and the Bridge Campground on the Hat Creek Ranger District available for evacuees. Evacuee's primary residence must be under mandatory evacuation and need to check in with the campsite's hosts. Before you go, make sure the campgrounds are not under any evacuation warnings. Contact Brian.newman@usda.gov or call 530-338-8745.

Plumas Evacuee Campsites: Plumas National Forest - Campgrounds available to evacuees include Meadow Camp, Rock Creek, and Deanes Valley Campgrounds in the Meadow Valley area, in addition to Red Bridge Campground off La Porte Road, and Lakes Basin Campground off of Gold Lake Highway.

Contact the Plumas National Forest Supervisors Office at (530) 283-2050 or the Mt. Hough Ranger District at (530) 283-0555 or the Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575 for more information.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will close seven of its properties that lie within or immediately adjacent to USDA Forest Service boundaries during this same period to support emergency response routes, firefighting efforts and protect public safety.

Link to all the closed areas: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=194978&inline

Lassen Volcanic National Park

All of Lassen National Park is closed to all access due to the Dixie Fire. For current information regarding the Lassen Volcanic National Park:

https://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/nature/dixie-fire.htm

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

HAT CREEK HIGHLANDS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING September 9, 2021

Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.

The Hat Creek Highlands MWC had a significant break in the distribution system, as a result of a fire truck backing into a standpipe. This break may result in an outage or low pressure until we can get the pipe repaired. Additionally, to keep the water system operating/pressurized during the Dixie Fire event, we have disabled the alarms and interlocks at the surface water treatment plant; therefore, the water produced may not meet state standards. We are working with neighboring utilities for assistance in repairing this leak and restoring water service.

When water pressures are lost, contaminated water can enter the pipes where leaks are located, and then contaminate the rest of the water distribution system. Therefore, we are advising all customers to boil their water and/or follow the precautions below as suggested by the Division of Drinking Water and the Hat Creek Highlands MWC.

What should you do?

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water.
• An alternative method of disinfection for residents that are not able to boil their water is to use fresh, unscented, liquid household bleach. To do so, add 8 drops (or 1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops (or 1/4 teaspoon) per gallon of cloudy water, mix thoroughly, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before using. A chlorine-like taste and odor will result from this disinfection procedure and is an indication that adequate disinfection has taken place.
• Water disinfection tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Continue boiling your water until you receive written notice from us that the water is safe to drink.

Once the repair is complete, the main line will be disinfected, flushed, and water samples will be collected to ensure that the water is safe to drink. Once samples show the water to be safe, we will inform you that boiling your water will no longer be need. We expect this advisory to be in effect for at least two days

For more information, please contact staff from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at (530) 224-4800, or Sarah Bradley (Chief Operator) with BWS Inc (530) 244-1453, sarah.bradley@bws.works.

Evacuation Information:

Plumas County Evacuations

Plumas County Evacuation Orders:

• Beckwourth Genesee Road east through Dixie Valley Rd to the Plumas County line and north to the Plumas County line. This includes Dixie Valley and Frenchman Lake. [PLU 34, PLU 37, PLU 43-A and 43-B]
• Long Valley and north of Seneca areas [PLU Zone 004B]
• Humbug Humboldt Cross Rd. at SR89, south along Humbug Humboldt Rd. to the intersection with Humboldt Rd., west to the Round Valley Creek and Deer Creek intersect, north along the Tehama County Line to the intersection SR36, east along SR36 to the intersection of SR89, south along SR89 to the intersection with Humbug Humboldt Cross Rd. [PLU Zone 6B]
• East side of Mt. Hough, east to Tower Rock, and the south edge of Genesee. Includes Emigrant Rd. (PLU Zone 16A)
• Grizzly/Tower: Beckwourth Genesee Rd south of Antelope Lake Rd to Grizzly Ridge and North of Argentine Lookout [PLU Zone 21]
• Antelope, includes the area surrounding Antelope Lake, North to the Plumas/Lassen Line, East to the Plumas Lassen Line, including Fruit Growers Blvd USFS Road 28N32, Indian Creek Road, Diamond Mountain Way, and the area of Thompson Creek & Boulder Creek. [PLU Zone 30]
• The unpopulated area of Babcock Crossing, Elephants Playground, and Murdock Crossing areas. This includes Beckwourth-Genesee at Clover Creek Loop, North to area of Drum Bridge, North to area of Babcock crossing. East to Big Flat Spring, South to 25N05, West to Beckwourth Genesee Road [PLU Zone 31]
• Ingalis: South of Beckwourth Genesee Road to the NW side of Lake Davis along Grizzly Ridge to the west and including the Walker Mine [PLU Zone 33]
• North of Lake Davis from the intersection of Beckwourth-Taylorsville Road and the Bagley pass Road, north to Zone 31 [PLU 35-A]
• Lake Davis, north of Lake Davis Road to Gate Place, includes all sides of Lake Davis [PLU 35-B]

Plumas County Evacuation Warnings:

• ALL OF GENESEE VALLEY, southeast of Taylorsville up the Genesee Rd to just south of Babcock Crossing, Walker
• Mine Road, north portion of Beckwourth Genesee Road. [PLU Zone 28]
• Taylorsville [PLU Zone 15A]
• Harkness and Warner Valley, Kelly Mountain [PLU Zone 041]
• Greenville area [PLU Zone 014]
• Swain Mtn, Echo lake, Star Butte area [PLU Zone 39]
• Sifford Mountain, North Stover Mountain [PLU Zone 40]
• East shore of Highway 147 [PLU Zone 010]
• Northwest of Round Valley Lake to Long Valley Mine and north to Hwy 89 [PLU Zone 011]
• Mt. Hough north of Quincy to south of Arlington Road, and Oakland Campground area [PLU Zone 016B]
• North side of Delleker. Hwy 70 at Willow Creek Rd, east to Hwy 70 at West Street (Portola) and everything north to Smith Peak.[PLU 35-C].
• Beckwourth-Genesee Road at USFS road 23N53, north to Zone 7. From Crocker Mtn east toward reconnaissance Peak. [PLU 42-A].

Plumas County Resources:

• Plumas County Website: https://www.plumascounty.us/
• Sheriff Website: https://plumascounty.us/587/Sheriff-Coroner
• Sheriff Dixie Fire Information: https://www.plumascounty.usDixie-Fire-Information
• Sheriff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriff
• Plumas National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas

Lassen County Evacuations

Lassen County

Evacuation Order: 

• North of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to Forest Services Route 32NO2 and north to the Blacks Mountain and Halls Flat Area. ZONES LAS-E035-A, D, G, H
• North of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to Pitville Rd and north to Blacks Mountain/Forest Services Route 32NO2
• Milford area west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from Milford Grade south to the intersection of County Rd A26/Garnier Rd – Zones LAS - E009-A&B, E001A
• North of Hwy 44 from Forest Route 33NO2 east to County Rd A21 and north to Crater Lake Campground – Zones LAS-E035-F
• Caribou Wilderness area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to CountyRd A21 – Zone E031-A
• South of Hwy 36 south and east of Mtn Meadows Reservoir east to Old Town Rd– Zones LAS-E019, EO18
• Janesville and Milford east of the Plumas County Line from Janesville Grade south to Milford Grade along the mountain side (unpopulated area) Zones LAS-E012-K, E010-B, C, F

Evacuation Warning:

• Blacks Mountain area from Pittville Rd east to Forest Route 34N30 north to Black Ridge Lookout Rd ZONE LAS-E036-C
• North of Halls Flat area from the Lassen County Line east to Pittville Rd and north to Black Gulch Rd. ZONE LAS-E036-B
• North of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to Pitville Rd and north to the Halls FlatArea. LAS-E035-A, D, G H
• Milford area west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from Raker Place south to Milford Grade – Zone LAS-E010-A
• North of Hwy 44 from A21 intersection east to Hog Flat Reservoir and north to Antelope Mountain and Campbell Mountain area east of County Rd A21 and west of County Rd A1 –Zone LAS-E035-B and E035-I
• Bogard area north of Hwy 44 from Pittville Rd east to County Rd A21 and north to Blacks Mountain, Harvey Mountain and south of Ashurst Lake – Zones LAS-E035-D,E,F,G
• West of County Rd A1 from the A21 intersection north to Forest Services Route 32NO2 – Zone LAS-E035-C

Lassen County Resources:

• Lassen County Damage Inspection Map: https://arcg.is/0GvCeX
• Lassen County Web site: http://www.co.lassen.ca.us
• Sheriff Website: https://tinyurl.com/sy9frpx6
• Sheriff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LassenSheriff
• Lassen National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lassen

Shasta County Evacuations

Shasta County

Evacuation Orders:

• All residents in Old Station Zone SCU-003. This includes the area east of Highway 89 just north of Black Angus Lane, and north to the intersection of Highway 89 at Doty Road following Bidwell Road east to the Pacific Crest Trail.
• Residents of all roads between the Lassen National Park entrance and the Bridge Campground.
• Any residences on Highway 44 from the Lassen County line.
• Hat Creek Rim east to the Shasta County Line and south of SR-44

*A temporary evacuation point is being set up at the Safeway in Burney.

Evacuation Warnings:

• The areas of Hat Creek and Old Station for both sides of SR-44 from Big Pines Road north of Brians Way
• SCU-255. This area is a forested area east of Zone SCU-003 that extends to the Shasta/Lassen County line.

Shasta County Resources:

• Shasta County Website: https://www.co.shasta.ca.us/index.aspx 
• Sheriff Website: https://www.co.shasta.ca.us/index/sheriff 
• Shasta 2-1-1 Dixie Info: https://www.211disasterupdate.com/dixie-fire 
• Wildfire Info Map: https://tinyurl.com/fpsamrwr 
• Code Red Sign Up: https://tinyurl.com/26ufjhn3 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Code Red Emergency Alert System to receive important time-sensitive messages regarding critical local emergencies.

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines

357

Water Tenders

174

Helicopters

36

Air Tankers

0

Dozers

130

Hand Crews

78

Other

1496

Total Personnel

4809

Cooperating Agencies