Gold Complex Fire Update

The U.S. Forest Service provides an update on the lightning-caused Gold Complex fires.

The Smith Fire burned 45 acres and is 100 percent contained, and the Mill Fire blackened 2,962 acres is 98 percent contained. The fires ignited July 22.

The Forest Service reports total resources battling the fire include five crews, 31 engines, two dozers and helicopters and fixed wing aircraft as needed.

According to a statement from the Forest Service, the only evacuation order remaining is a mandatory order for PLU-113, which is the area directly adjacent to the Mill Fire’s perimeter. No residents are impacted by these evacuations. Fire managers are working with the Plumas County Sheriff to adjust down to the fire’s perimeter. For specific evacuation information, visit facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Operational update
Smith Fire
The Smith Fire is 100 percent contained. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior and firefighters will continue to patrol the area.

Mill Fire
Firefighters have nearly completed mop-up on the Mill Fire, reaching 98 percent containment yesterday by knocking down more heat and smoke within 100 feet of the fire’s perimeter. Today, mop-up will continue alongside backhaul operations to remove equipment like hoses, trash and others supplies. Operations to repair dozer lines will also continue around the fire’s edge to reduce suppression impacts and the potential for erosion.

Weather
Cooler temperatures and moderate humidity are coming to an end over the next two days, as another spree of hot weather will bring temperatures in the 80s and 90s later this week, in addition to lower humidity recoveries and generally dryer conditions. Smoke could remain aloft over the fire area today, which may reduce impacts to air quality.