Laura 2 Fire destroys 19 homes, 30 outbuildings
Update: 4:15 p.m. Wednesday: The Laura 2 Fire, which started Tuesday, Nov. 17 in Doyle, destroyed 19 homes and 30 outbuildings, according to InciWeb. The fire has also damaged developments at the Bureau of Land Management Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area east of Doyle.
According to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, all evacuation orders associated with the Laura Fire are lifted.
As of the latest report, the fire burned 2,000 acres and is 95 percent contained. Forward progress on the fire was stopped Tuesday night.
The local sheriff’s office offered general cautions for those re-entering damaged homes or buildings:
Be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners or chlorine bleach. Take the following necessary precautions to prevent injury or further damage:
- Keep children and pets safe. Keep them away from flood water, wet or damaged materials, and leaking or spilled chemicals.
- Avoid contact with flood water in and around homes. Assume flood water is contaminated with raw sewage or hazardous chemicals.
- Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this may produce dangerous or violent reactions. Clean up and discard chemicals separately, even if you know what they are.
- Do not dump cleaners, paint, or other chemicals down drains, storm sewers, or toilets.
- Do not try to burn household cleaners, paint, or other chemicals .
- Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of
- Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed whenever possible.
- Do not turn on drinking water or well water pumps (risk of electric shock) or use the septic system until you can have it inspected.
Use caution when disturbing building materials to prevent physical injury or other health effects. Building materials may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos that when carried by the air can be breathed in and cause adverse health effects. If you suspect asbestos-containing materials may be present, the materials should not be disturbed. Asbestos-containing materials can include the following:
- Boiler/pipe insulation
- Fireproofing
- Floor tiles
- Asbestos roofing
- Transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths
__
Update 10:50 a.m. Wednesday: Updated numbers put the Laura2 Fire, which started yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 2,000 acres and 70 percent containment Wednesday morning, according to Bureau of Land Management NorCal Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana. However, forward progress on the fire was stopped last night.
The wildfire, which started near Doyle, has impacted an estimated 20 structures; however, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office has yet to release the number of homes impacted by the blaze as of Wednesday morning.
According to Fontana, personnel numbers are down to 85 this morning from yesterday’s 200.
The plan today is to mop up and patrol the area, he said.
__
Update 6:10 p.m.: The Laura Fire has burned about 600 acres as of Tuesday evening, Nov. 17, according to InciWeb. Rain has impeded forward progress and there is no projected growth due to rain.
This fire has impacted structures including homes. A damage assessment team has been assigned to survey and record damages including the number of homes lost. There are evacuations in place, with an evacuation center established at Diamond Mountain Hotel in Susanville.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and there were about 200 personnel assigned to the blaze today.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders related to the Laura Fire remain in effect for the following areas:
- Riverview Drive from the south entrance at U.S. Highway 395 to the intersection of Cheryl Drive
- Thelma Drive from the intersection of Roop Drive to Riverview Drive
- The east side of Roop Drive from Thelma Drive to Cheryl Drive
- Cheryl Drive from the intersection of Roop Drive to Riverview Drive
The following are instructions for residents returning home:
Residents should be aware that changing conditions in fire activity may cause this area to escalate back to a mandatory evacuation order at any time. If you have evacuated large animals and vehicles, please keep them out of the area.
Use caution, reduce your speed, drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.
Just because the flames are out doesn’t mean the danger is over. Damaged trees, structural damage, and flash flooding are just some of the dangers that exist after a wildfire, DO NOT put yourself or your loved ones in danger by exploring. Expect to see hotspots for some time. Do not call 911 to report unless there is an immediate threat to life or property.
Road Closures (open to residents only):
- All of Riverview Drive from Windbreak RV Park to U.S. Highway 395
- Thelma Drive (Area from the intersection at Roop Drive east to Riverview Drive is still closed)
- Cheryl Drive (Area from intersection of Roop Drive east to Riverview Drive is still closed)
- Roop Drive (east side is still closed)
- Hackstaff Road between Laver Crossing and Fort Sage Road and all roads accessed
- Fort Sage Road between Hackstaff Road and Summers Road and all roads accessed
- Laver Crossing between Hackstaff Road and U.S. Highway 395
Update 3 p.m.: The wildfire near Doyle, dubbed the Laura Fire, has burned about 500 acres and has impacted an estimated 20 structures, according to the 2:30 p.m. InciWeb update. The fire has burned onto BLM-managed public lands east of Doyle. There are mandatory evacuations in progress for scattered residences in the areas of Turtle Mountain, Fish Springs and Flannigan.
Updated 1:55 p.m.: Fire crews are responding to a fast-moving vegetation fire today, Tuesday, Nov. 17 near Laura Drive in Doyle, the Susanville Interagency Fire Center said. Units are responding and are already at the scene.
A Code Red Alert was issued with mandatory evacuations for the East Side of Highway 395 from the Doyle Grade north, including all roads on the east side of Highway 395 – not including those roads accessed off of A-26 currently, according to the CodeRED Mobile Alert App. However, those who can access their homes off of A26 to A25 should prepare, the Code Red recording from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office said.
Those needing shelter assistance due to the Doyle Fire should call the shelter number at (530) 250-9088, according to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a Bureau of Land Management California, the fire is about 400 acres and is being pushed by winds of about 60 mph. The fire has jumped Highway 395, and is burning in a north east direction towards the BLM Fort Sage Area.
The blaze, which started around 11:30 a.m., has prompted the closure of Highway 395 to through traffic in the area, during a day where winds and dust were already causing poor visibility conditions around the Long Valley Ag station.
We will update this information as it is received from official organizations.
