Incident Update Dixie Fire

Date:
08/23/2021
Time:
9:40 PM

Butte County Sheriff Office (Evacuation Information): 833-512-5378

Information Line: (530) 538-7826

Media Line: (530) 521-8265

Assistance for Plumas County Residents: (530) 283-6300

Assistance for animals (including large animals/ livestock): (530) 283-3673 or (530) 283-6300

Wildlife Disaster network: Response for injured wildlife: 1-800-942-6459

Wildlife Disaster network: Gold Country Wildlife Rescue: 1-530-885-0862

Incident Facts

Name
Dixie Fire
Start Date/Time
2021-08-23
Incident Status
Active
Location
Above the Cresta Dam, Feather River Canyon
Type
Wildfire
Cause
Under Investigation
Counties
Butte, Plumas
Administration Unit
Unified Command: CAL FIRE Butte Unit/Butte County Fire Department, Lassen National Forest and National Park Service
Unified Command Agency(s)
Size
727,896
Containment
40%
Structures Threatened
11,971
Structures Destroyed
1,262
Structures Damaged
91
Civilian Injuries
Firefighter Injuries
3
Civilian Fatalities
Firefighter Fatalities

Current Situation

Situation Summary

Current Situation:

Dixie Fire West Zone: Quieter weather patterns are still anticipated for most of this week though gusty local winds in areas of the fire continue to persist. Crews continue mopping-up hot spots and strengthening control lines. Damage assessment is ongoing and as teams are able to access the fire area safely, the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change. Certain evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings and certain warnings have been lifted allowing some residents to return to their homes and businesses. Returning residents are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant with regard to current fire conditions. Residents may see smoke coming from trees and stumps for days following their return. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they are concerned about any active flames near their homes or businesses rather than attempting to deal with such flames themselves.

Northern California has experienced large fire activity and will likely experience an extended fire season. Fires burning in northern California are exhibiting extreme fire growth based on critical fuel conditions. The prioritization of resources is always based on life, property, and natural resources. Under these drought conditions, wildfires are burning rapidly with extreme severity and have traveled up to 8 miles in a single day. Fuel conditions are much worse than previous years and along with wind is causing much greater fire spread. Firefighters are experiencing conditions never seen before, such as increased spread rates, spotting, and active nighttime burning. We coordinate very closely with the US Forest Service and CalOES for our local and out-of-state partners, to ensure resource availability.

Dixie Fire East Zone: The eastern edge of the fire line towards Janesville and Milford have remained secure. On the southern edge above Antelope Lake, resources continue to work the fire's edge with dozers and handlines to tie it into the lake. Today, crews from the west zone supplemented firefighters from the Milford and Janesville area fire so they could relocate to the south end of Genesee Valley to surge resources in critical areas. In Genesee Valley, the fire is burning aggressively downhill, and firefighters continue to engage the fire as it makes its way down to the road where they continue to catch any spots or slops while securing it at the road. The spot below Grizzley Peak continues to burn up the hill towards the main spot. The spot is now estimated at 560 acres. Work continues on the contingency line in the event of the spot burning south. Today crews worked to minimize any spread moving towards homes. Firefighters continue putting in direct and indirect line to tie the fire into the Genesee Road and the Walker Fire Scar. In Taylorsville/Peters Creek, firefighters are going direct on the fires edge, mopping up and patrolling around all the structures. A contingency line above Taylorsville is being constructed, and drones will be flying tonight, if conditions allow, to add depth and reduce the fire behavior as it comes down the hill. The full contingent of aircraft continues to make drops as visibility allows. Contingency lines are being put in place to the south of Grizzly Ridge.

For more information on the Dixie Fire visit the following links:

**Refer to the Evacuation Map for up-to-date notices. All evacuation zones may not be listed on this fact sheet.

Damage Assessment Maps

Dixie Fire Structure Status Map (CAL FIRE)
https://tinyurl.com/2m9en9t4

Recovery Information

Plumas County Recovery Information
https://tinyurl.com/c8c8s5rd

Plumas County

Evacuation Orders:

  • Sugar Loaf | Frenchman Road near Bloomer Lake Road, north to the county line, and the Plumas side of Doyle Grade. (PLU Zone: 43A)
  • East side of Mt. Hough, east to Tower Rock, and the south edge of Genesee. Includes Emigrant Rd. (PLU Zone 16A)
  • Taylorsville (PLU Zone: 15A)
  • Ingalis South of Beckwourth Genesee Rd to the NW side of Lake Davis along Grizzly Ridge to the west and including the Walker Mine. (PLU Zone: 33)
  • Grizzly/Tower | Beckwourth Genesee Rd south of Antelope Lake Rd to Grizzly Ridge and North of Argentine Lookout. (PLU Zone: 21)
  • Silver Lake (west of Meadow Valley) (PLU Zone: 002A)
  • Caribou Rd north to the Humbug Rd and Humboldt Rd intersection
  • This includes Belden Reservoir and Butt Valley Reservoir (PLU Zone: 003)
  • Prattville Butt Reservoir Road and everything west to the Butte/Plumas County line. (PLU Zone: 4B)
  • Humbug Road from the intersection of the Humbug-Humboldt Road west to the Butte County line and everything south of the Humbug Road in under a Mandatory Evacuation Order. (PLU Zone: 006)
  • The community of Seneca south to Hwy70 (PLU Zone: 004A)
  • Round Valley Reservoir, Dixie Canyon, Indian Falls (PLU Zone: 011)
  • Long Valley (west of Round Valley), Dixie Canyon south to Indian Falls, south of Indian Falls to the Hwy 70/89 Junction.
  • Dixie Mountain, north to the Plumas Lassen County Line, to include, Jordan Flats, Ferris Flat, Fitch Canyon and Cottonwood Mountain. (PLU Zone: 034)
  • Northwest of Round Valley Lake to Long Valley Mine and north to Hwy 89
  • Hwy 70 at Black Hawk Rd, south to Barlow Rd and everything west to Snake Lake (PLU Zone: 12B)
  • Everything west of Hwy 89/36 Junction (PLU Zone: 007)
  • West along the south side of Hwy 36 to the County Line and south of Hwy 36 to rock lake and west to the County Line.
  • ALL OF GENESEE VALLEY, southeast of Taylorsville up the Genesee Rd to just south of Babcock Crossing, Walker Mine Road, north portion of Beckwouth Genesee Road. (PLU Zone: 027)
  • 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 to25N05, West to Beckwourth Genesee road. (PLU Zone: 031)
  • South of Antelope Lake and northeast of Genesee Valley. (PLU Zone: 030)
  • East of Hwy 147 at CO A-13, to little Dyer Mtn, southeast to Dyer Mtn. NEW roadblock at Hwy 147 and Old Haun Road. (PLU Zone: 010)
  • North and Eastern parts of Indian Valley, from upper Williams Valley and upper Pecks Valley east to include all portions of North Valley Rd, Diamond Mtn Rd, and North Arm. (PLU Zone: 013)
  • From the Hwy 89/Hwy 36 Junction, north along Stover Mtn. Rd to the County Line and west from the Hwy 89/Hwy 36 Junction along the south side of the highway to the County Line. (PLU Zone: 007)
  • Chester, from the Hwy36/Hwy89 Junction, east to the causeway, both sides of Hwy 36 through Chester to the Lake Almanor edge and to north to the County Line. (PLU Zone: 008B)
  • Heart “K” Ranch, Includes Taylor Diggins Mine, north to Engel Mine, east to Lower Lone Rock, south to the border to Zone 28, west to the Taylor Diggins Mine. (PLU Zone: 020)
  • Lone Rock, Includes Moonlight Valley, Engel Mine, Lone Rock Valley, and a portion of Growers Blvd. USFS Rd. 28N32 intersection of Plumas/Lassen line, and east to Diamond Mountain area, south to Lone Rock. (PLU Zone: 019)
  • Antelope, includes the area surrounding Antelope Lake, North to the Plumas/Lassen Line as well as East to the Plumas Lassen Line, including Fruit Growers Blvd USFS Road 28N32, Indian Creek Road, Diamond Mountain Way the area of Thompson Creek & Boulder Creek. (PLU Zone: 030)

Evacuation Warnings:

  • Rush Creek (only residents of rush creek ROAD were permitted to return, not the whole zone) (PLU Zone: 004A)
  • Residents of Diamond Mtn are under Evacuation Warning and can go as far as Lights Creek Lane. (PLU Zone: 018B)
  • High Lakes (Plumas County) Recreational area of Plumas County east of the Butte/Plumas Countyline (PLU Zone: 001)
  • Butterfly Valley, Keddie to Hwy 70 at Black Hawk Rd, SnakeLake (PLU Zone: 012A)
    This includes Spanish Creek Campground,Round House Rd Old Highway W.
  • East side of Keddie, Round House Road and Old Hwy (WEST) (PLU Zone: 016B)
  • Hwy 70 at Black Hawk Rd, south to Barlow Rd and everything west to SnakeLake (PLU Zone: 012B)
  • Mt. Hough, from north of Quincy to south of Arlington Road (PLU Zone: 016B)
  • Crescent Mills (PLU Zone: 014A)
  • Plumas/Butte County line east to Twain
  • Includes both sides of Hwy 70 in the areas of Rock Creek, Storrie. –
  • Tobin, Belden, Caribou Rich Bar, and Twain. DOES NOT INCLUDE RUSH CREEK RD (PLU Zone: 002A/001)
  • Town of Chester Proper, West Shore, Prattville, West Almanor, Peninsula, Hamilton Branch, area of Big Meadows, and East Shore. Residents along Hwy 147 is a reduction from an Order to a Warning to Residents only. All areas outside residents in the Forest are still under the existing Forest Closure Orders. (PLU Zone: 008B/009)

Plumas County Resources:

Butte County

Evacuation Order: None 

Evacuation Warnings:

  • Butte Meadows: This will include Humboldt Rd at Thatcher Ridge, up to Cherry Hill Campgrounds, north to the Butte/Tehama County lines.
  • Jonesville area: The Warning will encompass State Route 32 at the Butte/Tehama County line, east to the area of Cherry Hill Campground, southeast to Snag Lake, southwest to Skyway at Bull Creek, north along Skyway to Humboldt Road.
  • Snag Lake area: This will include Humbug Summit Rd at the Butte/Plumas County lines, southwest across Snag Lake to Humbug Summit Rd and Skyway. This warning includes the area surrounding High Lakes Rd near the Carr Mine.
  • Lake Philbrook area: This area includes Philbrook Lake south to Browns
    Ravine Rd just east of 25N22, east to the Butte/Plumas County lines.

Lassen County

Evacuation Order: 

  • North of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County Line east to Coppervale – Zones LAS-E027-A, E029-A, E028
  • The area south of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County line east to McCoy Flat including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area
  • Susan River Canyon/Cheney Creek area south of Hwy 36 from Willard Hill east to Korver Rd and south to the intersection of Cheney Cr. Rd and Gold Run Rd.
  • South of Hwy 36 south and east of Mtn Meadows Reservoir east to Devil’s Corral and south to upper Gold Run Rd – Zones LAS-E019, EO18, E026, E017-A, E016-G

Evacuation Warning:

  • Janesville and Milford east (lake side) of Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mtn. Rd intersection south to the Flux Rd intersection - Zone LAS-E008-A and LAS-E011-A
  • Janesville and Milford west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from the Bass Hill area south to Oak Tree Lane including Janesville side of Wingfield, Elysian Valley, & Bass Hill Rd - Zones LAS-E012 A-J LAS-E010-G&H
  • Milford west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from Milford Grade south to the intersection of County Rd A26 Garnier Rd - Zones LAS-E009-A and E001-A
  • Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to the Willard Hill area – Zones LAS-E020, EO23, E027-B, E029-B
  • Bizz Johnson Trail area south of Hwy 36 from Thumper Hill east to Miller Crossing and south to Bauer Rd – Zone LAS-016-B, D, E
  • South of Hwy 36 from Devil’s Corral east to Britt Ln and Thumper Hill and south to Cheney Creek Rd Zones LAS-016-B, D, E
  • Area south of Hwy 44, north of Hwy 36, west to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zones LAS-E030-A & B

Lassen County Resources:

Tehama County

Evacuation Orders:

  • TEH C16- Subzones 223, 224, and 228. The area of MillCreek, Childs Meadows, and Fire Mountain Lodge remain in an evacuation order.
  • TEH D16
  • TEH B17 and C17-for the area of Childs Meadows/Highlands Resort. This will include subzones 228 and 227 Area of Mill Creek, south of Lassen Volcanic Park
  • TEH 1 (D17)- for the Wilson Creek, Slate Creek, and Area of Mill Creek, south of Lassen Volcanic Park
  • TEH C18- for the area of Wilson Lake.
  • THE C19- for the area to the east of Wilson Lake, to the Tehama/Plumas County line.

Evacuation Warnings:

  • TEH 1 (D18, D19, E18, E19): for the St. Bernard’s Lodge and ElamCarter Creek areas
  • T Zone 1- Includes the area of Colby Creek. The order will begin at the Butte and Tehama County line, west along the Tehama County Line to the intersection with SR32, north along the SR32 corridor to the intersection with SR36, from the intersection with SR32 and SR36, east along SR36 to the intersection with Plumas and Tehama County Line.
  • TEH C16- subzones 221, 222, 225, and 226. These areas are described as the CommunityofMineral, north of Highway 36 to the Shasta County line and south to the area of Yellowjack.
  • TEH B16

Tehama County Resources:

Shelter Locations:

Plumas County:

  • Springs of Hope Church at 59 Bell Ln. in Quincy (max capacity inside) 
  • Lassen Community College 478-200 CA-139, Susanville, CA
  • Holy Family Catholic Church 108 Taylor Ave. Portola, CA

Tehama County:

  • Los Molinos Veterans Hall 7980 Sherwood Blvd, Los Molinos, CA
    96055

NOTE: The Lassen High School shelter has closed

American Red Cross: Public Information Line (855)-755-7711

Animal Evacuation Centers:

Plumas County:

  • Plumas County Fairgrounds 204 Fairground Road, Quincy (large animals)
  • 201 Mill Creek Road, Quincy (small animals)
  • Recreation Center 101 Meadowview Lane, Chester

Tehama County:

  • Tehama County Complex 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff (large and small animals)

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.

Tehama County:

  • SR-36 westbound at SR-32.
  • SR-36 eastbound @ Aspin Lane.
  • SR 172 on both ends of SR 36.

Shasta County:

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) is closed. 

Lassen County:

  • SR-36 westbound @ SR-44. No westbound SR-36 traffic.
  • SR-36 east of the town of Westwood @ the “Old Chimney” landmark. No eastbound SR-36 traffic.
  • Wingfield Road westbound @ Bass Hill Road.
  • Janesville Grade westbound @ US-395.
  • Main Street westbound @ US-395.
  • Church Street westbound @ US-395.
  • Sears Road westbound @ US-395.
  • Milford Grade westbound @ US-395.
  • Hicks Road westbound @ US-395.
  • A21 Closed

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 @ Diamond Mountain 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 Lassen National Forest (LNF) implemented Forest Order 06-21-08 as of August 12, 2021 (Dixie Fire Closure Order) to protect public health and safety through November 30, 2021. For additional information, visit the LNF Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/lassen

Evacuee Campsites:

Lassen National Forest: Eagle Lake and Hat Creek Campsites available for evacuees. Contact Brian.newman@usda.gov  or call 530-338-8745. Evacuees need to check in with the campsite's hosts. Before you go, make sure the campgrounds are not under any evacuation warnings.

The Plumas National Forest (PNF) implemented Forest Order 05-11-00-21-15 as of July 16, 2021 (Dixie Fire Closure Order) to protect public health and safety. For additional information, visit the PNF Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas

Forest Order 05-11-00-21-16 (Phases 1 and 2 Expanded Dixie Fire Emergency Area, Road, Trail, and Developed Recreation Site Closure Order) https://tinyurl.com/74hf8rk3

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

Assigned Resources

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

Engines
429
Water Tenders
182
Helicopters
19
Dozers
211
Hand Crews
99
Total Personnel
6001

Cooperating Agencies

Name Phone Address URL
Butte County Sheriff Office 833-512-5378 http://buttecounty.net/sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office, Plumas County Sheriff's Office, Lassen County Sheriff's Office, Tehama County Sheriff's Office, Shasta County Sheriff's Office, CHP, PG&E, CAL OES, CAL-EMSA, California National Guard, California Conservation Corps, CAL TRANS, Sierra Pacific Industries, W.M. Beaty and Associates, Collins Pine, California Department of Corrections, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad