Officials brace for wind: Dixie Fire remains at 31 percent containment, 569,707 acres burned
Today brings wind. As of Monday morning, the Dixie Fire has burned 569,707 acres and remains at 31 percent containment.
Officials have been warning firefighters and residents of the upcoming wind activity, and Cal Fire Incident Management Team 3 Incident Meteorologist Joe Goudsward noted they’ve issued a local red flag warning starting today at 3 p.m. through tomorrow at 10 p.m.
“South west winds are going to pick up substantially,” Goudsward shared with the crews heading out to fight the wildfire. “They are going to be funneled through the canyons, they’re going to be funneled through the gaps.”
According to Operations Section Chief Jake Cagle for the East Zone, in the Indian Valley and Peter’s Creek, the fire continues to back in there and resources remain in the area watching it. Around Mud Lake and Antelope Lake, crews were effective and were able to secure the piece on Fruit Growers Boulevard.
In the Coyote Peak area, crews continue to work direct and finish contingency line up above that on Highway 36. Firefighters are working to continue firing on the Dyer Mountain, and had a successful night.
According to the written update:
Dixie Fire West Zone: The heavy smoke layer continued to dampen down fire activity overnight. Today, critical fire weather conditions exist. There is an anticipated wind event that will occur today over the fire area. Temperatures will be in the triple digits and winds are forecast to be WSW at 22 MPH with gusts up to 30 MPH.
Damage assessment is ongoing, and the number of damaged and destroyed structures may change as teams are able to access the fire area safely. Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders could change at any time.
California historically experiences some of the most devastating wildfires. Do Not Let Your Guard Down! To learn how to prevent sparking a wildfire visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
Dixie Fire East Zone: All lines at Keddie Point and into the North Arm of Indian Valley are holding and are supported by additional firefighters and equipment resources. Fire continues to flank in the Peters Creek area and firefighters have completed prepping Beardsley-Grade Road to the south.
The fire progressed to the south and east into the Walker fire scar and remains south of Fruit Growers Boulevard.
Firing operations were conducted on Antelope Road to create a buffer in preparation for a south wind event. Control lines continue to hold around Lone Rock and the fire has not progressed in the Sheep fire scar. The fire continues to flank near Coyote Peak and Hamilton Mountain and firefighters will be constructing indirect and contingency lines. Firing operations around Dyer Mountain are ongoing and will continue into another night shift if conditions allow.
