Hog Fire 94 percent contained, evacuation warnings lifted
UPDATE: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville, burned 9,564 acres and was 94 percent contained Monday, Aug. 3.
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FINAL UPDATE: CalFire issued a final incident update on the Hog Fire at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30.
The blaze consumed 9,564 acres and is 90 percent contained.
According to the statement from CalFire, “There was minimal activity today on the Hog Fire. All evacuation orders and evacuation warnings have been lifted with the exception of U.S. Forest Service closures and restricted areas.
For more information, visit fs.usda.gov/main/lassen/home.
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UPDATE 8:05 a.m. Thursday, July 30: The Hog Fire, which has burned 9,564 acres, is 85 percent contained Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire.
As of 1 p.m. Thursday, “Effective immediately the Evacuation Warning in place for the community of Lake Forest Estates, has now been lifted. County Road A-1 is now open in both directions to through traffic. Be aware that traffic interruptions may exist due to fire and utilities equipment working in the area,” read the update from Cal Fire.
“Warm and dry conditions will continue in the region, this may influence fire activity and smoke production within the fire’s control lines on the Hog Fire. Both Highway 36 and Highway 44 are now open for through traffic. All evacuation orders have been lifted, as residents are allowed to return to their homes, please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area. The demobilization of resources continues, resources are anticipated to be released based on the current fire and weather situation,” read the morning update.
All evacuation orders have been lifted with the exception of the US Forest Service closures and restricted areas. Visit Lassen National Forest for more information.
Evacuation warnings and the closure of County Road A1, just north of the water tanks, remain.
Cal Fire Incident Management Team 3 will be transitioning the fire to the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit on Friday, July 31.
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UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville, remains at 9,545 acres and is 69 percent contained Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.
“Firefighters continued strengthening control lines overnight on the Hog Fire. Large amounts of logging slash and heavy fuels continue to burn and smolder well within the perimeter,” read the morning incident report.
“Both Highway 36 and Highway 44 are now open for through traffic, however, flames and smoke from the fire’s interior may be visible as you travel.”
All evacuation orders have been lifted with the exception of the US Forest Service closures and restricted areas. Visit Lassen National Forest for more information.
Evacuation warnings and the closure of County Road A1, just north of the water tanks, remain.
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UPDATE 6:40 p.m. Monday, July 27: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville, is 64 percent contained Monday evening. It remains at 9,545 acres.
“Containment continues to increase on the Hog Fire. Firefighters are working aggressively to establish and improve control lines. Warm and breezy conditions will be moving into the region and may increase the risk of fire activity. Large amounts of logging slash and heavy fuels continue to burn and smolder well within the perimeter,” read the evening update.
“Both Highway 36 and Highway 44 are now open for through traffic, however, flames and smoke from the fire’s interior may be visible as you travel.”
All evacuation orders have been lifted with the exception of the US Forest Service closures and restricted areas. Visit Lassen National Forest for more information.
Evacuation warnings and the closure of County Road A1, just north of the water tanks, remain.
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UPDATE 8 a.m. Monday, July 27: Crews are successfully holding the Hog Fire at 9,545 acres Monday morning and, according to the incident update, the fire is 60 percent contained.
The blaze destroyed two structures according to the update and the cause remains under investigation.
“Containment continues to increase on the Hog Fire. Firefighters are working aggressively to establish and improve control lines. A Red Flag Warning, due to a low pressure system moving in, will be in affect until tonight at 9:00 PM. The weather will be hotter and drier today and fire growth potential remains high,” read the update.
“A natural-source water supply has been established that does not affect the surrounding communities. Damage inspection is complete and the number of destroyed and damaged homes is final.
“Both Highway 36 and Highway 44 are now open for through traffic, however, flames and smoke from the fire’s interior may be visible as you travel. All evacuation orders have been lifted, as residents are allowed to return to their homes, please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area.”
All evacuation orders have been lifted with the exception of the US Forest Service closures and restricted areas. Visit Lassen National Forest for more information.
Evacuation warnings and the closure of County Road A1, just north of the water tanks, remain.
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UPDATE 7:20 p.m. Saturday: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville, has burned 9,545 acres and is 48 percent contained Saturday evening, July 25, according to Cal Fire. Two structures are reported destroyed.
“Firefighters worked aggressively throughout the day to mop up and strengthen control lines on the Hog Fire. A natural-source water supply has been established that does not affect the surrounding communities. Minimal fire behavior was observed during the day, although, high temperatures and dry vegetation still have the potential to fuel fire growth. Fire Suppression Repair Teams continue to assess the affected areas and refine their repair plans,” read the evening update.
“Both SR-36 and SR- 44 are now open for through traffic, however, flames and smoke from the fire’s interior may be visible as you travel. As some residents are allowed to return to their homes, please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area.”
Evacuation warnings and orders remain in place.
UPDATE 7:50 a.m. Saturday, July 25: The Hog Fire remains at 9,545 acres and is 45 percent contained Saturday morning, according to the Cal Fire incident update.
“Firefighters worked aggressively overnight to mop up and strengthen control lines on the Hog Fire. Minimal fire behavior was observed overnight, although, warm weather and dry conditions may increase the risk of fire activity from smoldering areas throughout the day. Fire Suppression Repair Teams continue to assess the fire perimeter and the effected areas,” read the update.
Evacuation warnings remain in place for:
• Lake Forest Estates community, and north and south side of Highway 36 from A-1 to Willard Creek Road.
•Junction SR- 36 and SR- 44 east to the A-1 SR-36, this encompasses River Bench, Britt Lane, Thumper Hill Road and Ridge Top Road
•West of Brake check area on SR-36, to the junction of SR-36 and SR-44, this includes residents served by Phil Dow Road.
Evacuation orders remain for:
•West of Junction SR-36 and SR-44
•East of Goumaz Road and Fredonyer Summit
•This includes all roadways and trails accessed by SR-36 and SR-44
• All trails along SR- 36 will remain closed. This includes Bizz Johnson Trail
Both Highway 36 and Highway 44 are now open for through traffic; however, flames and smokes from the fire’s interior may be visible as you travel. County Road A1 remains closed just north of the water tanks.
“As some residents are allowed to return to their homes, please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area,” read the update.
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UPDATE 7 p.m. Friday, July 24: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville has burned 9,545 acres, and is 41 percent contained Friday evening. According to the Cal Fire update, two structures were destroyed, none are currently threatened. There have been no firefighter or civilian injuries.
Previous evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation warnings for:
• Lake Forest Estates community, and north and south side of Highway 36 from A-1 to Willard Creek Road.
•Junction SR- 36 and SR- 44 east to the A-1 SR-36, this encompasses River Bench, Britt Lane, Thumper Hill Road and Ridge Top Road
•West of Brake check area on SR-36, to the junction of SR-36 and SR-44, this includes residents served by Phil Dow Road.
Evacuation orders remain in place for:
•West of Junction SR-36 and SR-44
•East of Goumaz Road and Fredonyer Summit
•This includes all roadways and trails accessed by SR-36 and SR-44
• All trails along SR- 36 will remain closed. This includes Bizz Johnson Trail
Highways 44 and 36 were both opened for travel. County Road A1 remains closed just north of the water tanks.
According to the evening Cal Fire update, “Firefighters are working aggressively to mop up and strengthen control lines on the Hog Fire. Warm weather and dry conditions may increase the risk of the fire activity from smoldering areas. Damage inspection is complete and the number of destroyed and damaged homes is final.
“Both Highway 36 and Highway 44 are now open for through traffic; however, flames and smokes from the fire’s interior may be visible as you travel.
“As some residents are allowed to return to their homes, please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area.”
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UPDATE 8:20 a.m. Friday: The Hog Fire has burned 9,540 acres and is 38 percent contained Friday morning, according to Cal Fire.
Two structures are reported destroyed in the morning update.
Due to hazards rendering the area unsafe, a new MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for the following area:
· West of Junction SR-36 and SR-44
· SR- 36 east of Fredonyer Summit
· This includes all roadways and trails accessed by SR-36 and SR-44
· All trails along SR- 36 will remain closed. This includes Bizz Johnson Trail
Other mandatory evacuation orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings Thursday.
Effective immediately the Mandatory Evacuation order in place for the community of Lake Forest Estates has now been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning for residents only. There will be a road closure at County Road A-1 just north of the water tanks.
The downgrade to a warning was also issued to:
· Junction SR- 36 and SR- 44 east to the A-1 SR-36, this encompasses River Bench, Britt Lane, Thumper Hill Road and Ridge Top Road
· West of Brake check area on SR-36, to the junction of SR-36 and SR-44, this includes residents served by Phil Dow Road.
Be aware that changing conditions in fire activity may cause this area to return to an Evacuation Order at any time. Be aware that traffic interruptions may exist due to fire and utilities equipment working in the area.
Additionally, State Route 44 is now open for travel. Please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area.
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UPDATE 8:20 a.m. Thursday, July 23: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville, remains at 9,517 acres an is 26 percent contained Thursday morning.
Evacuation orders and road closures remain in place. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. The fire still remains about 5 miles from Susanville.
The fire remained active throughout the night, according to the incident update. Firefighters continue to take suppressive action and construct containment lines.
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UPDATE 7:40 p.m. Wednesday: Crews are making progress as they battle the Hog Fire west of Susanville. By Wednesday evening, Cal Fire reported the blaze has burned 9,517 acres and is 23 percent contained.
Evacuation orders and road closures remain in place. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. The fire still remains about 5 miles from Susanville.
According to the evening update from Cal Fire, “The Hog Fire remained active throughout the day and personnel are establishing control lines utilizing dozer and hand crews in steep rugged terrain.
“Strong thunderstorms around the area brought rain, hail and lightning. Fire behavior was moderate by weather, but continues to burn dry fuels.
“Personnel will continue to work throughout the evening to establish and bolster containment lines within the limitations of projected thunderstorm activity.”
There are about 2,168 personnel battling the blaze, with 187 engines, 40 water tenders, 42 hand crews, 57 dozers, and numerous air tankers.
UPDATE 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 22: The Hog Fire has burned 9,420 acres and is 9 percent contained Wednesday morning, according to Cal Fire’s morning incident update.
Lassen National Forest shared this map of the Hog Fire Wednesday morning. Graphic submittedEvacuations orders and road closures remain in place. There are still no reported damaged or destroyed structures.
The Hog Fire remained active throughout the night and still remains about 5 miles out of Susanville. Firefighters continue to take suppressive action and construct containment lines, the Incident Update read.
However, the Red Flag Warning has been extended through the day until this evening, with anticipated winds and dry lightning in the area of the fire.
About 1,340 personnel are working the fire, with 147 engines, 31 water tenders, 21 hand crews, 33 dozers and airtankers.
@CALFIRE_PIO: #HogFire Incident Update. @CALFIRELMU pic.twitter.com/HwPtAfk5yH
— CALFIRE Lassen-Modoc (@CALFIRELMU) July 22, 2020
The Hog Fire has burned about 9,000 acres, Cal Fire reported Tuesday evening, July 21. This image, captured by the ALERTWildfire.org Antelope Mountain camera, shows the fire at about 5 p.m. Tuesday.__
UPDATE 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21: The Hog Fire, which started Saturday, has burned about 9,000 acres and is 7 percent contained Tuesday evening, Cal Fire reported.
There are still no reported damaged or lost structures; 170 structures are threatened. The cause remains under investigation.
Evacuations orders remain in place for the Lake Forest Estates community, and north and south side of Highway 36 from A-1 to Willard Creek Road. An evacuation center has been set up Lassen Community College and may be reached by calling (530) 250-9088.
Road closures include Highway 44 from the Highway 36 and Highway 44 juncture to A-21, Highway 36 from the Highway 44 and 36 juncture to Westwood and County Road A-1 is closed from Gallatin Road to Highway 36.
According to the evening update, “Firefighters continue to work aggressively to build containment lines around the Hog Fire. The fire remained active throughout the day and still remain approximately 5 miles from Susanville.
“The Red Flag Warning has been extended through the night until tomorrow. An essential fiber optic cable was damaged by the fire early Monday, July 20, and has hampered communications and connectivity for Susanville, Cal Fire Headquarters and the Incident Command Base. Technicians have initiated repair of the internet and cellular service.
About 1,087 personnel are working the fire, 147 engines, 31 water tenders, 21 hand crews, 33 dozers and numerous firefighting air tankers, as conditions allow
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UPDATE 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21: Tuesday morning, July 21, the Hog Fire west of Susanville, which started Saturday, July 18, is at 8,000 acres and 5 percent containment, according to Cal Fire. Previous numbers had the fire at 12,188 acres, and Cal Fire noted the decrease in acreage is due to better mapping.
This image from the ALERTWildfire Hamilton Mountain camera shows the Hog Fire around 8:20 p.m. Monday, July 20.There are still no reported damaged or lost structures; 170 structures are threatened, read the update from Cal Fire. The cause remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders remain in place for the Lake Forest Estates community, and north and south side of Highway 36 from A-1 to Willard Creek Road. Monday evening the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office advised residents along Highway 36 from A-1 to Roxie Peconum, and along Gold run Road and all areas in between to take precautions in the event that an evacuation warning is issued, although no warning was issued by Incident Command at this time.
An evacuation center has been set up Lassen Community College and may be reached by calling (530) 250-9088.
Road closures include Highway 44 from the Highway 36 and Highway 44 juncture to A-21, Highway 36 from the Highway 44 and 36 juncture to Westwood and County Road A-1 is closed from Gallatin Road to Highway 36.
According to the Tuesday morning Cal Fire Incident Update. “Firefighters continue to work aggressively to build containment lines around the Hog Fire. The fire remained active overnight due to wind shifts, low fuel moisture and thunderstorm activity.
“A red flag warning is issued for today. An increase in temperature and low humidity could support more firegrowth.”
Moreover, the Hog Fire took out some communication infrastructure Monday morning.
“An essential fiber optic cable was damaged by the fire early Monday morning and has hampered communications and connectivity for Susanville, Cal Fire headquarters and the Incident Command Base.”
A total of 664 personnel are working the blaze, including 19 engines, 21 water tenders, 21 hand crews, 24 dozers and numerous firefighting air tankers, as conditions allow.
Cooperating agencies include Lassen National Forest, CHP, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Caltrans and others.
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UPDATE 9:50 p.m. Monday: “The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents along Highway 36 from A1 to Roxie Peconum, and along Gold run Road and all areas in between to take precautions in the event that an evacuation warning is issued. There has been no warning issued by Incident Command at this time but it is always a good idea to be prepared. A checklist for preparing your property for possible evacuation can be found on Cal Fire’s website https://www.readyforwildfire.org.” read a statement from the sheriff’s office. The department also shared a list of items to pack, including pets, identification, cards and cash, important documents, keys, medications, basic hygiene supplies, Basic supplies like food, clothing, and jackets for each family member, flashlights, batteries, a hand crank radio and sleeping bags or blankets, electronics and chargers and Irreplaceable “comfort” items or keepsakes.
UPDATE 8:55 p.m. Monday: According to Cal Fire, the Hog Fire off Hog Flat Reservoir, West of Susanville in Lassen County, is 12,188 acres.
UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 20: The Hog Fire, west of Susanville, has prompted evacuations and blanketed the area with smoke by Monday morning, July 20.
This is a map of the Hog Fire when the fire was 5,800 acres. Graphic by Cal FireAs of Monday morning, the fire is reported at 5,800 acres and 0 percent containment. So far, according to the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit Incident Update, no structures have been reported destroyed or damaged, but 170 are threatened. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Mandatory evacuations, issued Sunday, July 19, remain in place for Lake Forest Estates, Riverbench Road, Britt Lane, Thumper Hill Road, and Ridgetop Road. Also, north and south of Highway 36 from A-1 to Willard Creek Road, according to Cal Fire.
An evacuation center has been set up Lassen Community College and may be reached by calling (530) 250-9088.
Road closures are currently in place for Highway 44 from Highway-36 to Highway-89, and Highway 36 from A-21 to A-1 (Eagle Lake Road) is closed to all traffic at this time, according to CHP.
Lassen County Public Health has issued an “unhealthy” air quality alert countywide. Residents, especially the elderly, young children, pregnant women, those with lung or heart disease and anyone with sensitivities to air pollution should avoid outdoor activities until further notice, the department shared Monday.
If you know someone looking for Hog Fire information, who does not have internet capabilities, direct them to (530) 282-5714 for fire updates.
The Hog Fire, which started about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18 near Hog Flat Reservoir, is burning in heavy timber with spotting.
Large pieces of ash and bark are being found in Susanville Monday morning. Photo submitted by Brian WaltersAccording to the Monday Incident Report, crews are currently working to establish and strengthen fire lines. The incident update notes there have been no first responder injuries or fatalities.
There are currently 95 engines, 17 water tenders, 11 helicopters, 43 hand crews, 19 dozers and numerous air tankers from throughout the state, as conditions allow, fighting the blaze.
Cooperating agencies include Cal Fire, BLM, Susan River, Standish-Litchfield, Janesville, CHP, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Caltrans and many others.
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UPDATE 7 p.m. Sunday: Mandatory evacuations for all of Lake Forest Estates, Phildow, Grey Eagle Lane- areas north of Hwy 36 and West of County Road A1, according to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. 10:30 p.m. update: according to Cal Fire the mandatory evacuation order now includes Riverbench Road, Britt Lane, Thumper Hill Road, Ridge Top Road. “Basically, north and south side of Highway 36 from A1 to Riverbench Road.”
An Evacuation Center has been established at Lassen Community College. For more information about the Evacuation Center, call (530) 250-9088.
People with special needs, who will need help evacuating, should call 257-6121 and let them know what assistance you will need.
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UPDATE 6 p.m. Sunday: “An evacuation advisory has been issued for Lake Forest Estates. If you live in Lake Forest Estates, please be prepared should the advisory turn to a warning or a mandatory order. Those wishing to evacuate now, there is an evacuation center being established at Lassen Community College. Further details will be posted shortly,” read a post from Cal Fire.
UPDATE 4:20 p.m. Sunday: An Evacuation warning has just been issued for the following areas of Lake Forest Estates: Grey Eagle Lane, Thildow Road and Baja Road, according to Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit.
According to Cal Fire, “The Hog Fire started yesterday at 3:30 pm. It is burning 1/2 mile north of Goumaz Campground and south of Highway 44. The fire is burning on private and USFS land. The fire is approximately 1,347 acres and 5 percent contained. Steep terrain and continued spot fires remain the critical issue. There are no threats to structures. Highway 44 is closed from A21 to Highway 36. The only evacuation has been to the Goumaz Campground which was evacuated for precautionary purposes. Crews are busy constructing fire line to get the fire contained. Please avoid the area so fire resources can get in and out of the fire. Resources on hand include: 25 engines, 8 hand crews, 15 dozers, 15 water tenders, 4 helicopters and 6 air tankers. Agencies on the fire include CALFIRE, USFS, BLM, Susan River, Standish-Litchfield, Janesville, the Redding Hotshots and a Folsom Lake Handcrew. Cause of the fire is under investigation.”
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UPDATE 11:35 a.m. Sunday: “The Hog Fire started yesterday at 3:30 p.m. It is burning 1/2 mile north of Goumaz Campground and south of Highway 44. The fire is burning on private and USFS land. The fire is approximately 650 acres and 5 percent contained. Steep terrain and continued spot fires remain the critical issue. There are still no threats to structures or road closures. The only evacuation has been to the Goumaz Campground which was evacuated for precautionary purposes. Crews are busy constructing fire line to get the fire contained. Please avoid the area so fire resources can get in and out of the fire. Use alternate routes besides Highway 44 if possible. Resources on hand include: 25 engines, 8 hand crews, 15 dozers, 15 water tenders, 4 helicopters and 6 air tankers. Agencies on the fire include CALFIRE, USFS, BLM, Susan River, Standish-Litchfield, Janesville, the Redding Hotshots and a Folsom Lake Handcrew. Cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office announced the Bizz Johnson Trail is currently closed from Devil’s Corral to Mason Station due to the fire.
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UPDATE Sunday morning, July 19: According to Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit, “The Hog Fire is currently 400 acres and 5 percent contained. Steep terrain and continued spot fires remain the critical issue. There are still no threats to structures or road closures. The only evacuation has been to the Goumaz Campground which was evacuated for precautionary purposes. Hotter and dryer weather is expected. Today, crews will continue to construct and strengthen containment lines and mop up where the opportunity presents itself. Resources on hand include: 25 engines, 8 hand crews, 15 dozers, 15 water tenders, 4 helicopters and 6 air tankers. Agencies on the fire include CALFIRE, USFS, BLM, Susan River, Standish-Litchfield, Janesville, the Redding Hotshots and a Folsom Lake Handcrew. Cause of the fire is under investigation.”
However, the Cal Fire current incident report shows the Hog Fire has burned 500 acres and is 0 percent contained Sunday morning.
UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: According to the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit, “The Hog Fire is currently at 261 acres. The fire is burning in timber. The work being done by the air tankers and ground resources is making a difference and the fire is now 5 percent contained. There are no road closures or threats to structures and no evacuations with the exception of the Goumaz Campground, which was evacuated for precautionary purposes. Resources on hand include: 25 engines, 4 helicopters, 3 air tankers, 7 hand crews and 6 dozers. Additional resources are enroute. Agencies on the fire include CALFIRE, USFS, BLM, Susan River, Standish-Litchfield, Janesville, the Redding Hotshots and a Folsom Lake Handcrew.”
UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: According to Cal Fire, the Hog Fire, which started around, Hog Flat Reservoir, West of Susanville, is 75 acres.
UPDATE 5:44 p.m.: “The Hog Fire is currently 20 to 25 acres burning in timber. Heavy spotting continues to be the main issue. There are still no stuctures threated. Resources on scene include: 15 engines, 4 helicopters, 6 air tankers, 4 hand crews and three dozers with additional resources on order,” according to Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit.
A fire south of Highway 44 has prompted the precautionary evacuation of Goumaz Campground Saturday, July 18.
According to a Facebook post from Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit, “Crews are currently working a fire north of Goumaz Campground and south of Highway 44. The fire is currently 7 to 10 acres in the timber. No structures are threatened, but Goumaz Campground has been evacuated for precautionary reasons. The fire is causing some issues with spotting, but there are currently six air tankers, 2 helicopters, 8 engines and 2 dozers on scene.”
