Beckwourth Fire Update: 9 a.m. Friday July 9
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The United States Department of Agriculture released this information on the Beckwourth Complex Fire just before 9 a.m. Friday, July 9.
Current situation
The Sugar Fire within the Beckwourth Complex experienced significant fire growth yesterday. Southwest wind alignment and receptive fuels were the contributing factors of fire spread and intensity.
The fire remained active all night, progressing east towards Adam’s Peak where it crossed the escarpment west of Doyle. The fire is burning around the lake with numerous spot fires on the eastern side of the lake. Crews conducted strategic firing operations for structure protection north of Frenchman Lake.
Fire is pushing to Dixie Lookout to the north. Firefighters worked to gain containment on the southwest and northwest edge of the fire near Sugar Loaf. Today firefighters will assess and reevaluate strategies for containment focusing on the escarpment area west of 395 and structure protection.
A new branch was established today along the Highway 395 corridor near Constantia Road including BLM, CAL FIRE and local resources. Our state, local and federal partners are critical as we implement our suppression efforts.
The Dotta Fire remains in its current footprint as crews continue to mop up.
A virtual community meeting was held last night at 7 p.m. and is posted on the Plumas National Forest Facebook page for viewing.
Evacuations
Mandatory and warning evacuations are in effect for Lassen and Plumas counties, and are changing rapidly due to the dynamics of this fire. For the most current information, refer to their Facebook pages: facebook.com/USFSPlumas facebook.com/LassenSheriff.
Closures
According to inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7601/60695/, A Forest Closure Order has been issued for the Beckwourth Fire Complex within the Beckwourth Ranger District.
Road closures from Janesville-Frenchman Road, Highway 284, Frenchman East Shore, Beckwourth-Genesee Road and smaller feed roads are in effect.
Weather
Today will be hotter and dryer than yesterday with low relative humidity and highly receptive fuels. Winds will be lighter. The weather will continue to be hotter and dryer with a forecasted heat wave this weekend. Fuel moistures remain critically low.
Air quality
Smoke, including smoke from neighboring fires, will continue to become more prominent each day due to southerly winds. Refer to airnow.gov for more information on smoke conditions in your area.
Fire restrictions
Current fire restrictions remain in effect for the Plumas National Forest. Go to fs.usda.gov/detail/plumas/home/?cid=stelprdb5374320.