According to Eric Ewing, Susanville Interagency Fire Center Battalion Chief, the fire burned toward town as it crossed the river and caused numerous spot fires by the bike path near River Street.

The fire began at approximately 2:45 p.m. and was contained at 6 p.m. that evening. The cause is under investigation.

The fire started in the jurisdiction of the Susan River Fire Protection District and burned into the city and was a combination effort between Susan River and the Susanville Fire Department in managing the fire during its peak, according to Ewing.

No structures were lost and no one was injured.

According to Ewing, representatives from SPI are on site today setting up a sprinkler system at the millpond to help put the fire out. An engine and hand crews are still on scene and Lassen National Forest has extended an engine for patrol today.

Residents did experience a power outage during the fire when Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) cut power to the Riverside Drive and Richmond Road areas.

Theresa Phillips, LMUD energy services manager explained it was a precautionary measure because a downed power line could cause issues for the emergency crews on scene.

Phillips said one pole was burned, but there was no severe damage.

The fire also forced the evacuation of residents at Country Villa Riverview on River Street, which Ewing said was precautionary due to exposure, smoke and the threat of a power outage. Lassen Rural Bus provided the evacuation transportation. 

Agencies from all over the county responded to fight the fire.

In addition to resources from the Susan River Fire Protection District and the Susanville Fire Department, other fire departments included the California Correctional Center, Standish Litchfield, Janesville, Milford, Herlong, Sierra Army Depot, Calfire’s Lassen Modoc Unit and the Lassen National Forest.

The Shasta Trinity National Forest Strike Team also responded and Ewing explained the crew was in the area returning to Redding from an assignment in Colorado and called to see if they could help. Ewing said there were 12 engines, four water tender, two hand crews and various fire chiefs.

Other agencies assisting with the fire were the Lassen County Office of Emergency Services, California Department of Corrections, California Highway Patrol, Susanville Police Department, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and the health department.