Incident Update Dixie Fire

Situation Summary

Dixie Fire West Zone:

Firefighters continue to attack the fire using indirect and direct attack. The recent rains and moisture have assisted firefighters, but fuels continue to be dry and have low fuel moisture. Erratic wind gusts have increased fire activity in the northern part of the fire as it has crossed north of Highway 44 into the Hat Creek Rim area.

The fire progressed at a slow to moderate rate of spread, with some head runs with the wind. Operational resources have been moved towards this part of the fire to build and strengthen containment lines to protect the communities of Hat Creek and Old Station.

Crews continue to use the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Fire Train to deliver 30,000 gallons of water each trip. This allows firefighters to refill water quicker and continue the firefighting efforts along the northern part of the fire.

Resources in the Lassen Volcanic National Park continue to build and reinforce containment lines using fire retardant, heavy equipment, and hand crews. Although firefighters are challenged with steep and rugged terrain, but they are still making progress.

The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until this evening at 11:00 p.m. The hot, dry, and windy weather, temperatures in the 80’s, humidity at 15-23% during the day and winds up to 35 mph in the morning is the cause for the Red Flag Warning and the erratic fire behavior.

Dry fuels and strong winds will continue to be a hazard through the night. The Red Flag warning will expire at 11:00 p.m. Residents are urged to stay vigilant to changing weather and fire behavior. Smoke will be seen in the fire area and surrounding communities for many days. Damage assessment is ongoing, and the threatened structures count may change depending on the fire status.

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

Dixie Fire East Zone:

Overnight and morning rain delayed access to the line for firefighters and also tempered fire behavior. In the East Zone of the Dixie Fire, Dixie Mountain received four-tenths of an inch of precipitation, with a halfan-inch measured in Taylorsville. With a bit more than expected rain, most areas on the fire were quiet today, however we know there are many pockets of heat, and warming and drying conditions in the next few days will reawaken fire in some areas where it is only smoldering and creeping in ground fuels today.

Hot shot crews constructed direct handline in the Devil's Punchbowl area. Containment lines extending from northern Grizzly Ridge to Lake Davis are mopped up and no apparent smoke or heat was observed within 200 feet of the line today. Crews today backhauled piles of hose, portable tanks, and other equipment from the area. Crews also chipped long rows of slash and rehabilitated dozer lines in areas where the threat is now diminished significantly. Resources patrolled, improved, and monitored containment lines stretching from Lake Davis, around Turner Ridge, Clover Valley, through Dixie Valley and up the steep west ridge of Dixie Mountain. Crews completed
contingency line in Dotta Canyon to the Sugar Fire scar and continued to masticate fuels along the Beckwourth-Genesee Road creating a secondary contingency line. Hand crews patrolled and monitored direct containment lines on the slopes of the escarpment west of Highway 395.

Great Basin Incident Management Team 1 is concluding their tour of duty and will transfer command tomorrow morning at 7 am. California Interagency Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Jerry McGowan, returns following their previous tour in August. We want to thank the local communities for your support and hospitality.

Dixie Fire Resources

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

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] North of Mt. Hough, west of Taylorsville [PLU Zone 15]
• 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 Black Gulch Rd from the Lassen County line east to and including Little Valley and Dixie Peak area from Pit River Canyon south Zones LAS-E036-H,J,K,E and LAS-E072-A, EO65-B, EO68-A
• 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
• South of Wilson Springs Rd from Pittville Rd east to Black Gulch Rd Zone LAS-E036-I
• 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. ZONE LAS-E035-A, LAS-E035-G, LAS-E35-D
• Milford area west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from south of Flux Rd 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
• South of Hwy 44 from the Lassen County Line east to Hog Flat Reservoir – Zones LAS-E028, E031A
• 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:

• West of but not including Boyd Springs Road southwest to the Lassen County line – Zones LAS-E066-B, EO65-C, E072-B
• Hoover Flat Reservoir area west of Boyd Springs Road and Little Valley Rd – Zone LAS-E068-B
• Milford area west (mountain side) of Hwy 395 from Raker Place south to Milford Grade – Zone LAS-E010-A
• East of Hwy 395 (lake side) from the Flux Rd intersection south to County Rd A26 Garnier Rd north to Long Valley Creek LAS-E008B AND LAS-E002-C
• West of Hwy 395 from the intersection of Milford Grade south to Flux Rd, West to Plumas/Lassen County line. LAS-E009B, C
• 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:

• Zones 9-A and B are forested areas, 9-A is an area east of Highway 89 just south of Hat Creek. It extends to the Shasta/Lassen County line. Zone 9-B extends from just east of Cinder Butte on the western edge to the Lassen/Shasta County line and north of Bald Mountain.
• 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:

• all residents in Old Station Zone 3. 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.
• 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

337

Water Tenders

171

Helicopters

36

Air Tankers

0

Dozers

126

Hand Crews

82

Other

1598

Total Personnel

4894

Cooperating Agencies