Sheep Fire burns 29,570 acres, 90 percent contained
UPDATE 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8: Despite being tested by high winds, “The Sheep Fire stayed well within current containment lines overnight,” according to the morning update. The Sheep Fire remains at 29,570 acres, 90 percent containment.
Today, “Crews will remain vigilant; looking for hot spots and flareups today and extinguishing those as they find them. They are also continuing fire suppression efforts on constructed containment lines.”
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect today. Winds are expected to stay high through the day, possibly gusting as high as 40 mph along ridgetops. Relative humidity along ridges will also be extremely low, although recovery may be better at lower elevations due to lower temperatures and a heavy smoke inversion.
This will be the last update from CAIIMT 10 regarding the Sheep Fire. Further updates will be issued as conditions change. As of 6 a.m. on Sept. 9, command of the Sheep Fire will be transferred back to the local Cal Fire unit and to the North Complex.
There is a closure order in place for areas of the Plumas and Lassen National Forests in the Sheep Fire and North Complex areas to protect public and firefighter safety. All areas, roads, campgrounds and trails within the closure area are closed. Forest Service Road 29N03, Roxie Peconom and Goumaz campgrounds are closed. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Sheep Fire, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices
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UPDATE 10:40 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7: The Sheep Fire is 90 percent contained and remains at 29,570 acres burned Monday morning.
“The Sheep Fire has remained within existing containment lines for several days. Firefighters continue suppression repair work on containment lines around the fire. This can include falling hazard trees, re-opening roads, replacing culverts damaged during suppression, and constructing water bars on dozer lines to help prevent erosion during the rainy season. Crews continue to keep a careful eye on unburned vegetation within the fire area, and to extinguish hot spots as they find them. They are being especially careful to address any heat identified near containment lines in anticipation of the predicted wind event,” read the Monday update.
There is a closure order in place for areas of the Plumas and Lassen National Forests in the Sheep Fire and North Complex areas to protect public and firefighter safety. All areas, roads, campgrounds and trails within the closure area are closed. Forest Service Road 29N03, Roxie Peconom and Goumaz campgrounds are closed. For further information on closures, including Forest Closures in relation to the Sheep Fire, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices
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UPDATE 8:40 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6: The Sheep Fire remains at 29,570 acres, and is 86 percent contained Sunday morning.
“There are still isolated heat spots within the fire perimeter, and crews are remaining vigilant. Pockets of unburned vegetation continue to ignite and burn, especially in the areas around Indicator Peak and north to the Roxy Peconom area. Smoke from these flare ups may be visible from Highway 395. Suppression repair continues around the fire, with crews and heavy equipment working to fall hazard trees and repair dozer lines to prevent erosion,” read the update.
Hot, dry conditions continue to challenge firefighters. The fire area saw very poor humidity recovery overnight, and temperatures remained high. Winds are expected to increase again this afternoon and into the evening with gusts between 15 and 25 mph. Winds should lighten overnight. Smoke from the fires around the state is moving into the Sheep Fire area.
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UPDATE 8:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5: The Sheep Fire remains at 29,570 acres and 80 percent containment Saturday morning, according to the update.
“The Sheep Fire again held within existing containment lines.Firefighters continue to prioritize locating and extinguishing isolated heat sources (burning large logs, etc.) that could threaten containment lines. Scattered heat sources are still being picked up by infrared, and crews are carefully mopping up to ensure that containment holds, especially with predicted winds. Repair work has also been initiated; crews are working to remove hazard trees and repair dozer lines to help prevent erosion,” the update read.
Today’s weather is predicted to be very similar to yesterday, with very hot temperatures and winds just slightly lighter than yesterday. As with previous days, predicted southwest winds may bring waves of heavy smoke into the Janesville/Susanville area, and residents are advised to use caution when recreating or working outdoors.
There is a closure order in place for areas of the Plumas and Lassen National Forests in the Sheep Fire and North Complex areas to protect public and firefighter safety. The dirt portion of Gold Run Road remains closed and the dirt portion of Wingfield Road is open to residents only.
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UPDATE 8:10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4: The Sheep Fire has burned 29,570 acres and is 80 percent contained Friday evening, according to InciWeb.
“Crews will continue to strengthen containment lines, mop-up and secure areas around structures. Crews will also continue mop-up to reinforce containment lines in all divisions. Fire suppression repair has started and will expand as equipment arrives,” read the InciWeb update. “Containment lines are being strengthened with mop-up in all divisions. Isolated heat sources are being located as crew work further interior to extinguish the heat sources. The outlook for above normal, high temperatures and increasing SW winds up to 25mph will test the containment lines as we move into the weekend.”
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UPDATE 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4: The Sheep Fire has burned 29,570 acres, and remains at 71 percent containment as of Friday morning, according to the update from unified command.
“The Sheep Fire again stayed within containment lines through the day yesterday and overnight. Crews are working directly along the fireline to find and extinguish hot spots which could threaten containment, especially on the southern edge of the fire near Diamond Mountain, southwest to Indicator Peak, and north to the Roxy Peconom area. Vegetation has dried considerably since the original lines were put in, and crews are being vigilant about identifying and cold-trailing heat sources. Areas of previously unburned vegetation within containment lines may continue to ignite and burn, especially with today’s predicted hot, dry, and windy conditions,” read the update.
Command of the Sheep Fire was transferred to California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 as of 6 a.m. Thursday.
The dirt portion of Gold Run Road remains closed and the dirt portion of Wingfield Road is open to residents only.
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UPDATE 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3: The Sheep Fire has burned 29,571 acres, 71 percent contained as of Thursday morning, according to the update from unified command. 
“Minimal growth occurred Wednesday on the Sheep Fire, but crews continue to strengthen fireline and patrol for any lingering hotspots,” read the update. “The potential for increased spread of the fire is significantly reduced. The threat of fire entering the surrounding communities is even less, but the forecasted heat wave could fan scattered heat sources. With that, containment lines are holding and crews continue to mop up any lingering hot spots or smokes they can reach.”
“The Sheep Fire stayed well within its containment lines overnight. Crews continued to work on mopping up on the southwest corner of the fire toward Indicator Peak, making sure that containment lines are cold and black, and there’s no vegetation close enough to the perimeter for burning material to get over the lines. Mop up also continued in the Roxy Peconom area, and all lines are holding well around the western flank of the fire. While the fire is looking good west of Susanville, there is still some scattered heat visible, and crews are staying in the area and watching diligently for any flare ups. Pockets of vegetation inside containment lines continue to ignite and burn. Most of these pockets are located within the rock escarpment above Susanville, and pose little threat to the lines. However, crews will be working with air support today to extinguish any of those that are close to the lines,” the morning update read.
“The Sheep Fire experienced warm and dry weather yet again with south and westerly winds. The forecast calls for a heat wave starting Thursday with near 100-degree temperatures on the mid-slope elevations and stronger winds through the weekend,” the update continued.
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UPDATE 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2: As of Wednesday morning, the Sheep Fire has burned 29,538 acres and is 71 percent contained, according to the unified command update.
“Minimal growth occurred yesterday on the Sheep Fire, but crews continue to strengthen line patrol for hotspots,” read the update.
“The crews kept up their efforts yesterday on the northwest and western edges of the fire to bolster containment lines and reduce any potential for spread. Crews are working to wrap up the fire near Williams Creek along the northwest side of the fire and out toward the Roxie Peconom area and Willard Creek Road along the western edge. The remaining portions of the fire are being patrolled and mop up is being executed where firefighters find any remaining heat. A majority of the smoke visible to the residents in the area is coming from pockets of unburned fuel far within the fire’s perimeter and does not pose a threat to containment,” the update continued.
Even though all evacuation orders related to the Sheep Fire in Lassen County have been lifted, it’s of utmost importance for residents to remember the fire is not out and to remain vigilant. Use caution, reduce your speed, drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel and fire equipment.
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UPDATE 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1: The Sheep Fire has burned 29,538 acres and is 64 percent contained Tuesday. 
According to the morning update from the unified command, “While growth is minimal and containment of the Sheep Fire increases, there still is work to be done on the fire line. Crews will be focusing their efforts today on the northwest and western edges of the fire to strengthen containment lines and reduce the potential for spread. Crews are working to button up uncontained fire near Williams Creek along the northwest side of the fire and out toward the Roxie Peconom area and Willard Creek Road along the western edge. The remainder of the fire will be patrolled and mop up will be conducted where firefighters find any lingering heat. The majority of the smoke visible to area residents is coming from remaining pockets of unburned fuel well within the fire’s perimeter and does not pose a threat to containment.”
All evacuations in Lassen County related to the Sheep fire have been lifted.
“Winds will be mostly east today and push the fire and smoke to the west. These winds could test containment lines toward Roxie Penocom and Willard Creek Road. This wind will bring low humidity and could fan fire activity on the interior of the fire perimeter where unburned fuel remains,” continued the update.
UPDATE 8:35 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31: The Sheep Fire has burned 29,527 acres and is 64 percent contained Monday evening.
“Firefighters had another successful day keeping the fire in place and mopping up the remaining spots from previous days on the Sheep Fire. The spots were near Aspen Flat along the fire’s southern edge and west of Indicator Peak on the west side and have been lined and mopped up. Crews will focus on mopping up any lingering heat sources and ensuring the protection of surrounding communities,” according to the update.
All evacuations in Lassen County related to the Sheep fire have been lifted.
There are 18 dozers, 83 engines, 10 hand crews, 6 helicopters, 25 water tenders, 4 other heavy equipment, and 682 total personnel working on the fire.
UPDATE 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31: The Sheep Fire, which was started by lightning Aug. 17, has burned 29,527 acres and is 38 percent contained according to the morning update from the unified command. 
According to the update, “Firefighters had another successful day and night holding the fire in place and mopping up a number of spots from previous days on the Sheep Fire. The spots were near Aspen Flat along the fire’s southern edge and west of Indicator Peak on the west side and have been lined and mopped up. Crews will focus on mopping up any lingering heat sources and ensuring the protection of surrounding communities.”
UPDATE 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29: According to the Saturday evening update from the unified command, “crews on the Sheep Fire found a spot fire on the southwest flank early Saturday morning, but were able to construct line around it and contain it quickly.”
“Following this spot fire, slightly reduced fire activity was seen across the fire area despite hotter and drier conditions. Crewsv continued to construct fireline, improve existing lines and mop up on the north, east and southern edges of the fire. The west and southwest flanks of the fire continue to burn moderately, and these areas remain a top priority for fire crews tonight and into tomorrow,” read the update. “Higher temperatures and lower humidities — in addition to potentially gusty winds from an incoming cold front — could result in greater fire spread potential and smoky conditions into early next week on the Sheep Fire, but crews will continue to strengthen and mop up firelines while providing structure protection where and if needed.
By Saturday night, the wildfire was still at 29,517 acres and is 38 percent containment.
UPDATE 9:10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29: The Sheep Fire, as of the Saturday morning update from the unified command, has burned 29,517 acres and is 38 percent contained. 
“The Sheep Fire saw moderate fire activity and increased containment yesterday and through the overnight hours. With east winds persisting throughout the day yesterday, crews were battling a spot fire on the western edge of the fire in the Roxie Peconom area early this morning and are working on containment today. Along the southeast edge of the fire, crews are looking for the opportunity to use fire to help clean up and secure completed dozer line toward Baxter Creek,” read the update.
“Hotter and drier conditions for the next few days might result in greater fire spread potential into early next week on the Sheep Fire, but crews will continue to strengthen and mop up firelines while providing structure protection where and if needed,” continued the update.
Winds will return to the south and southwesterly flow today as humidities will hit the 14-20 percent range. Winds will be 5-10 mph most of the day but gusts to 20 mph are possible. Continued hot and dry conditions will contribute to increasingly active fire behavior.
Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
UPDATE 8:50 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28: As of Friday evening, the Sheep Fire has burned 29,444 acres and is 38 percent contained.
“The Sheep Fire experienced slightly reduced fire activity today, which allowed crews to continue to construct fireline, improve existing lines and mop up, in addition to improving roads to contain the southern, western and northern sections of the Sheep Fire. The fire is expected to spread slowly on its southeast edge through the night, until containment lines can be built and improved tomorrow. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate tonight, but hotter and drier conditions coming in may result in greater fire spread potential in coming days. Crews will continue to strengthen and mop up firelines while continuing to provide structure protection where needed,” read the evening update.
Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
Conditions are predicted to be sunny, warm and dry on Saturday. Possible cold front passage on Sunday night and Monday could bring strong, gusty north winds, threatening containment lines. Temperatures will gradually increase next week with little to no precipitation expected.
UPDATE 9:10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28: The Sheep Fire, which was caused by lightning Monday, Aug. 17, has burned 29,410 acres and is 30 percent contained Friday morning. Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
“Crews continue to construct fireline, improve existing lines and mop up today, in addition to improving roads to contain the southern, western and northern sections of the Sheep Fire. Fire activity yesterday was mild as compared to previous days, despite isolated thunderstorms over the fire area. On the east flank, crews worked to strengthen the fireline established Wednesday. This line runs from Circle Drive around the northeast end of the fire. It extends to Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. The steepest part of that line is challenging crews who must contend with falling snags and downhill rolling rocks as they mop up the fire. The west flank of the fire continues from Cheney Creek to Roxie Peconom Road, and then southwest toward the heel of the fire in the area of Indicator Peak. Crews will continue to strengthen and mop up firelines while continuing to provide structure protection, if needed,” read the morning update from Unified Command.
“Potential thunderstorm development in the area today could produce outflow winds and erratic fire behavior. Fire behavior will be moderate early Friday, then will increase in the afternoon, which will likely lead to lifting smoke and haze in the fire area,” continued the update.
About 24 dozers, 91 engines, 10 hand crews, 8 helicopters, 24 water tenders, 4 other heavy equipment, and 684 total personnel are fighting the blaze.
UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28: According to InciWeb Friday morning, The Sheep Fire has burned 29,410 acres and is 30 percent contained. Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
Per the Thursday evening Sheep Fire update, “crews continued to strengthen and mop up existing firelines (Thursday). 
Though there were some isolated thunderstorms, fire activity was mild as compared to previous days. On the east flank, crews worked to strengthen the fireline established on Wednesday. This line runs from Circle Drive around the northeast end of the fire. It extends to Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. The steepest part of that line is challenging crews who must contend with falling snags and downhill rolling rocks as they mop up the fire. On the northwest flank, crews have constructed direct dozer line above Susan Hills all the way to Cheney Creek. The west flank of the fire continues from Cheney Creek to Roxie Peconom Road, and then southwest towards the heel of the fire in the area of Indicator Peak. A strategic firing operation was conducted this morning on this flank, and another will be conducted this evening to further secure this section of line. Tonight, in addition to the firing operation, crews will continue to strengthen and mop up firelines while continuing to provide structure protection, if needed.”
UPDATE 9:10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27: The Sheep Fire is still listed at 28,980 acres and 16 percent containment, according to the Thursday morning update from Unified Command. Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place. As of Tuesday night, nine residences were reported destroyed, one damaged and 2,000 had been threatened by the blaze.
“Crews worked throughout the night building new fireline and strengthening and mopping up existing line. On the east flank, crews worked to strengthen the fireline established on Wednesday. This line runs from Circle Drive around the northeast end of the fire. It extends from Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. The steepest part of that line is challenging crews who must contend with falling snags and downhill rolling rocks. On the northwest flank, crews have constructed direct dozer line above Susan Hills all the way to Cheney Creek. The west flank of the fire continues from Cheney Creek to Roxie Peconom Road. Last night, crews were able to complete dozer line south and southwest on that flank, towards the heel of the fire in the area of Indicator Peak. Today, crews will continue to strengthen and mop up all fire lines while continuing to provide structure protection,” read the update.
“Today brings a change in the weather pattern as hotter, drier conditions move in. With lower humidity and increased heat comes the potential for increased fire activity and the likelihood residents and visitors will see larger smoke columns than in recent days. While humidities will dip into the 15-25% range, winds will remain relatively calm and westerly in the morning, shifting to northwest later in the day,” the update continued.
There are 20 dozers, 95 engines, 10 hand crews, 8 helicopters, 24 water tenders, and 668 total personnel fighting the blaze.
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UPDATE 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26: The Sheep Fire has burned 28,980 acres and is 16 percent contained Wednesday evening. Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
“Crews worked throughout the day strengthening fire lines on the east and west flanks of the fire. On the east flank (Division H), crews worked to strengthen the fireline established yesterday. This line runs from Circle Drive around the northeast end of the fire. It extends from Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. On the northwest flank (Divisions F), crews constructed direct dozer line above Susan Hills all the way to Cheney Creek. On the west flank (Division D) they continued from Cheney Creek to Roxie Peconom Road. Crews worked towards the heel of the fire on south and southwest flank, in the area of Indicator Peak. At 4:30 p.m., a flare up occurred in the Bass Hill – Diane Drive area. Air tankers, helicopters, and ground resources were diverted to that area and additional evacuations were ordered. Dry fuels, steep terrain, falling snags and downhill rolling rocks are challenging firefighting efforts. Tonight, crews will continue to secure and strengthen both flanks of the fire while providing structure protection,” according to the update from the California Interagency Incident Management Team 1.
A Mandatory Evacuation Order was issued for North Side of Diane Drive at 4:45 p.m. this afternoon but was downgraded back to an Evacuation Warning by 6:30 p.m.
Overnight, winds will be generally west-southwest at 5-10mph in the lower elevations and southwest at 5-10 gusting to 15 on the upper slopes. Hotter, drier weather is forecast starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend with temperatures increasing by roughly 10 degrees throughout the area. Southeast air flow Friday will bring a slight chance of slow moving thunderstorms. Otherwise, hot and dry will be the theme this weekend into early next week, according to the evening update.
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UPDATE 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26: According to the Plumas National Forest, this afternoon, “The Sheep Fire was making a push along the eastern flank, so air tankers were brought in to drop retardant to help reinforce the line. They were successful in making a couple of drops before it got too smokey to make additional drops there. This did help crews hold the line. Retardant drops were diverted from the southeast side to the western flank in the area east of Roxie Peconom Campground along 29N03 Rd where the fire was getting very active.”
UPDATE 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26: The Sheep Fire has burned 28,903 acres and is 3 percent contained Wednesday morning, according to the Update. As of Tuesday night, nine residences were reported destroyed, one damaged and 2,000 had been threatened by the blaze.
Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
“Crews worked throughout the night strengthening fire lines on the east and west flanks of the fire. On the east flank, crews worked to strengthen the fire line established yesterday. This line extends from Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. The steepest part of that line is challenging crews who have to contend with falling snags and downhill rolling rocks. On the west flank, crews were able to establish line from Susanville to within two miles of the Roxie Peconom Road. Today, crews will continue to push south and southwest on that flank, towards the heel of the fire. Once that is complete, they will focus on the Willard Creek drainage. Today, crews will continue to secure and strengthen both flanks of the fire while providing structure protection,” read the morning update.
There will be a virtual community meeting tonight at 5 p.m. Representatives from the Fire Management team will be available to provide updates on the North Complex fires: Sheep, Claremont and Bear. Join the live Zoom meeting at https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1607397992
It will be mostly sunny today with mild temperatures and modest relative humidities. Winds will be terrain driven until early to mid-afternoon, and then will become generally southwest once again. It’s likely to become hotter and drier Thursday into the weekend with temperatures jumping 10 degrees for highs. Dry conditions will lead to bigger diurnal temperature ranges later this week into the weekend. Southeast flow Friday will bring a slight chance of slow moving thunderstorms. Otherwise, hot and dry will be the theme this weekend into early next week.
There are 19 dozers, 92 engines, 7 handcrews, 8 helicopters, 22 water tenders, and 585 total personnel fighting the blaze.
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UPDATE 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25: According to the Tuesday morning update, the Sheep Fire is still listed at 27,411 acres and is 3 percent contained, and, to date, has destroyed 8 residences and damaged 1 residence.
Several evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
“The fire moderated overnight and a light rain fell across the fire area, lowering humidities, and allowing crews to make good progress. Crews worked throughout the night constructing and strengthening dozer line on the east and west flanks of the fire. On the east flank, crews made good progress in their work on the line extending to Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. Today, they will work to strengthen and secure this line. On the west flank, crews continued constructing line in the Cheney Creek drainage and into the old Willard Fire burn scar, west of Susanville. They were able to build a contingency line ahead of the fire and are now “going direct”; working on the fire’s edge. Cooler temperatures are expected again today, but thunderstorms in the forecast and unpredictable winds remain a concern. Dry fuels, steep terrain and strong winds continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Today, crews will continue to secure and strengthen both flanks of the fire while providing structure protection. To date, the Sheep Fire has destroyed 8 residences and damaged 1 residence,” read the update.
“Lingering moisture and instability will lead to a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into early this evening. The greatest threat for showers and thunderstorms over the North Complex will be in the afternoon hours. It is most likely, however, that showers and thunderstorms will remain north and east of the area similar to Monday. It’s still possible that winds could affect the area in the afternoon and building smoke columns are likely to lead to some erratic and gusty winds in the heat of the afternoon and evening,” continued the update.
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UPDATE 8:40 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24: By Monday evening, according to the 8 p.m. update, the Sheep Fire has burned 27,411 acres. Several additional evacuation orders, warnings and downgrades were issued yesterday.
“Crews worked throughout the day constructing and strengthening dozer line on the east and west flanks of the fire. On the east flank, crews worked to extend the fire line to Diamond Mountain Motorway. From this point they will continue to build fire line up to the escarpment to the top of Diamond Mountain. On the west flank, line was constructed in the Cheney Creek drainage and into the old Willard Fire burn scar, west of Susanville. Smoke cleared enough today for fixed wing aircraft to drop retardant at the upper end of the east flank near the motorway to support ground crew’s efforts. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidities aided crews in their work, but thunderstorms in the forecast and unpredictable winds remain a concern. This evening, crews will continue to secure and strengthen both flanks of the fire while providing structure protection. Dry fuels, steep terrain and strong winds continue to challenge firefighting efforts,” read the update.
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UPDATE 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24: The Sheep Fire has burned 25,574 acres as of Monday morning.
Several additional evacuation orders, warnings and downgrades were issued yesterday.
According to the morning update, “The fire burned actively yesterday afternoon and into the evening making several downhill runs, including a significant run on the east side in the Wingfield Road area. Crews were able to keep it from encroaching into the Diane Drive area and stop it on Highway 395. Overnight detection of spotting east of Hwy 395 and south of Lake Leavitt were caught and will be monitored. On the northwest side of the fire, crews were able to keep the fire out of Gold Run, Hidden Hills, Susan Hills, and the Susanville City Limits. There were no reported structure losses from yesterday. Today, crews will continue to establish and reinforce existing fire line. The dry fuels, low humidities, and steep terrain and strong winds continue to challenge firefighting efforts.”
“There is a Red Flag Warning for Gusty Outflow Winds and Dry Lightning In Effect Until Tuesday Morning. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected this morning. In addition to concern for new fire starts, gusty winds and brief light to moderate rainfall will be possible. There’s likely to be a break in the weather late morning into the early afternoon before more showers and thunderstorms develop along and near the Sierra Crest. Afternoon to evening thunderstorms east of the North Complex, could cause winds to push into the area.”
There are 16 dozers, 44 engines, 2 hand crews, 4 helicopters, 9 water tenders, and 335 total personnel. Resources continue to arrive.
Smoke impacts to communities are expected to improve somewhat today due to the incoming thunderstorms. However, an increase in fire activity later this afternoon may increase smoke coming into the area. Areas of better air quality are expected above the foothill communities. For a fire and smoke map, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/
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UPDATE 9:50 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23: The Sheep Fire has burned 23,423 acres by Sunday evening, according to the update.
Evacuation orders and warnings have been updated. Click here for the list.
“The Sheep Fire made an aggressive push with a vertical pyrocumulus cloud to the northeast today coming off the Diamond Ridge escarpment. A finger of the fire advanced towards Highway 395 where crews redeployed resources along Wingfield Road, west of Bass Hill, to protect structures. Multiple engines, hand crews, and water tenders also conducted structure protection in the Diane Drive area. Air tankers were again restricted from entering the area due to smoke, but multiple helicopters were used to try to limit the advance of the fire … Several evacuation advisories were issued including portions of the City of Susanville,” read the update.
“Tonight, crews will continue to defend structures along 395 south of Susanville in the Wingfield Road area and push the fire back when provided an opportunity with cooperative cooling temperatures and light winds.”
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UPDATE 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23: Evacuation orders and warnings have been updated. Click here for the list.
UPDATE 9:40 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23: The Sheep Fire is still listed at 15,776 acres Sunday morning.
Evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
According to the Sunday morning update, “Fire behavior moderated again overnight, and crews were successful in establishing new dozer line on the east flank of the fire from Wingfield Road to the Diamond Mountain Motorway. Crews will perform a firing operation today in the Willard Creek-Cheney Creek Road area to secure the west flank of the fire. Crews will also continue to secure and strengthen both flanks while providing structure protection. Dry fuels, low humidities, and steep terrain continue to make for challenging firefighting conditions.”
The coming weather poses some difficulties and the area is in a Red Flag Warning in to Monday. There is increasing potential for isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms over much of Northern California. Lightning from dry thunderstorms will have the potential to start new fires.
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UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23: As of the Saturday evening update, the Sheep Fire was still reported at 15,776 acres.
“Today, fire managers plan to take advantage of favorable morning weather conditions to minimize fire spread to the east and west; focusing on the areas of Wingfield Road, Gold Run and Hidden Hills. Dry fuels north of the fire remain susceptible to ignition. Last night firefighters stayed at the fire, fire behavior moderated, and crews were successful establishing new dozer line. As of today, no additional structure loss has been reported,” read the evening update.
“Slightly hotter and drier conditions are forecast today with south to southwest winds becoming gusty in the afternoon and evening hours. Some high-level cloudiness is expected to arrive this evening.
Evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place.
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UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22: The Sheep Fire, burning southwest of Susanville has burned 15,776 acres, according to the Saturday morning update from the California Interagency Incident Management Team 1. The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two structures have been lost due to the Sheep Fire. The property owners have been notified.
Evacuation orders, warnings and road closures remain in place. 
“Today, fire managers plan to take advantage of favorable morning weather conditions to minimize fire spread to the east and west; focusing on the areas of Wingfield Road, Gold Run and Hidden Hills. Dry fuels north of the fire remain susceptible to ignition. Last night firefighters stayed at the fire, fire behavior moderated, and crews were successful establishing new dozer line. As of today, no additional structure loss has been reported,” read the update.
“Slightly hotter and drier conditions are forecast today with south to southwest winds becoming gusty in the afternoon and evening hours. Some high-level cloudiness is expected to arrive this evening,” it continued.
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UPDATE 9:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21: The Sheep Fire, burning southwest of Susanville, has burned 11,000 acres, according to Inciweb.
New mandatory evacuations were issued Friday night for residences in the Susan Hills area from Gold Run Road to Bauer Road and including Bauer Road, and residences along the dirt portion of Susan Hills Drive west of the water towers.
“Firefighters and resources will work throughout the night to protect structures and hold established firelines,” read the evening update from the California Incident Management Team 1. “Expanded evacuation orders and warnings were enacted due to extreme fire behavior. Strong winds pushed the fire toward Peter Lassen’s Grave and the upper Cherry Creek and Gold Run drainage, moving toward Susan Hills. Crews will work through the night to protect structures and hold firelines. A Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) DC-10 was in the area to assist but heavy smoke hindered efforts to utilize this and other aerial resources. Engines, bulldozers, crews and two helicopters were available to assist.”
“The Sheep Fire is expected to remain active this evening until the early morning hours. Lows are expected to range between 44 and 61 degrees. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable,” continued the update.
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UPDATE 2:30 p.m. Friday: The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office issued new evacuation warnings for:
• Susan Hills Area from Susan Hills Drive to Gold Run Road including Bauer Road.
• Wingfield Road from Mountain Meadow Ranch east to the end of the pavement.
UPDATE 1:40 p.m. Friday: “The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office worked with other agencies this morning to conduct assessments of the burned area and have confirmed that two structures have been lost due to the Sheep Fire. The property owners have been notified. Although it is difficult to survey every square foot within the perimeter of the fire, if you have not received notification otherwise, your structure is in all likelihood still standing,” read a post from the department.
Additionally, Community Church is hosting the Community Informational meeting for the Sheep Fire tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11 am. Attendees will be required to wear masks. The meeting will be streamed online on the church Facebook page and YouTube channel, and at the following link: https://boxcast.tv/view/sheep-fire-community-informational-meeting-906551?fbclid=IwAR17YjdkZiSvwuuScZ8Bat7EQ9d9ZvNKTNARY_02oQi4dRCVF9KQs_AkHN8
UPDATE 10:35 a.m. Friday: According to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, “There have been structures lost due to the Sheep Fire. Personnel are currently working on making assessments. Property owners will be notified by the Sheriff’s Office as to the nature and extent of property damage once assessments are complete. We understand how difficult it is to wait for news and appreciate your patience.”
According to the Friday morning update from the California Incident Management Team 1, The Sheep Fire has burned 10,241 acres and is 0 percent contained. Three structures are reported destroyed and there is one reported injury. More than 250 structures are threatened. Several evacuation orders and warnings remain in place due to the fire in the Gold Run Road and golf course areas.
According to InciWeb, “The Sheep Fire moderated overnight allowing crews to make considerable progress constructing dozer line in the areas of Golden Lane, Amesbury, Jura Road and Old Archery and Scotts Logging Roads. This followed yesterday’s spread of the fire northwest into the front-country and into the flats moving into subdivisions on the southeast side of Susanville. Crews were able to defend the structures in those neighborhoods and push the fire back and hold the line without losing any additional structures. Crews around the south and west sides of the fire took advantage of the favorable weather to push the fire back from the lines and halting the fire spread.
“The California Incident Management Team 1 is working closely and coordinating resources with Cal Fire on this fire. The greatest level of intent is to continue to protect structures and push the fire back from Susanville. Today, crews will work on the east side of the fire, building fire line, and continuing structure protection. Resources include 15 dozers, 36 engines, 2 hand crews and 2 helicopters, 12 water tenders.”
UPDATE 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21: As of Thursday evening, the lightning-caused Sheep Fire, burning southwest of Susanville was 5,286 acres and 0 percent contained. Three residences have been reported destroyed. Several evacuation orders and warnings remain in place due to the fire in the Gold Run Road and golf course areas.
“The Sheep Fire is sitting just over 5,000 acres and continues to progress in towards the town of Susanville. Fire came off the slope and down into the subdivision off the Gold Hill Road area and it continues to move around. We do have an anchor point on the bottom, we continue to work heavy equipment on both flanks of the fire, we also have several resources in for structure protection and we are working directly with Cal Fire out of Susanville to bring resolve to the Sheep Fire,” said Chad Cook, Operations Section Chief with California Incident Management Team 1.
The Sheep Fire is burning as part of the North Complex, a group of fires burning on the Plumas National Forest which includes the Claremont Fire burning near Quincy, and has collectively burned more than 10,000 acres.
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UPDATE 9:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20: According to the Thursday evening update, the Sheep Fire, burning southwest of Susanville, has burned 5,286 acres and is 0 percent contained. Earlier reports put the wildfire at 7,000 acres. Three residences are reported destroyed. More than 250 structures are threatened.
Several evacuation orders and warnings remain in place due to the fire in the Gold Run Road and golf course areas.
According to the update, “The Sheep Fire, located southwest of Susanville, grew today towards Susanville and impacted residences along Gold Run Road just north of the Lassen/Plumas County Line. Crews worked aggressively to build fire line while providing structure protection. Though temperatures were cooler, crews had to contend with strong gusty winds. The steep terrain is making fire suppression difficult as is the lack of available resources due to other fires throughout the state. Crews will continue to build and strengthen fire line tonight and continue with structure protection. Resources include: 15 dozers, 36 engines, 2 hand crews and 2 helicopters.”
UPDATE 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20: The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office issued mandatory evacuations for residents along the north side of Gold Run Road from Richmond Road west to the end of Gold Run including Gunderson Road and Hidden Hills Drive.
And evacuation warnings for residents along Richmond Road from Gold Run Road to Singletree Lane and Wingfield Road from Richmond Road to Mountain Meadow Ranch.
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UPDATE 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20: As of Wednesday evening, the Sheep Fire, which has forced the evacuations of residents in the Gold Run Road and golf course areas, has burned 7,000 acres and was 0 percent contained, according to InciWeb. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
The Sheep Fire is part of the North Complex, a group of lightning-caused fires burning on the Mt. Hough Ranger District on the Plumas National Forest and collectively has burned a combined 8,600 acres with the Claremont and Bear fires, which are near the Middle Fork Feather River, south of Quincy.
“Right now, the Sheep Fire has got a lot of active fire all around it. We’ve got people engaged in structure protection and the fire continues to progress. We are short on resources and we are trying to push stuff out there and we’re working with our state cooperators to protect structures and assess the valuation, and we’ll continue the fight over on the Sheep Fire,” said Chad Cook, Operation Section Chief with California Incident Management Team 1 during the Thursday morning North Complex update.
UPDATE 8:50 p.m. Aug. 19: A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for the south side of Richmond Road from Gold Run to Wingfield Road including Circle Drive, Fairway Drive, Eagle Drive, Circle Court, Oaks Mountain Drive and the West Side of Wingfield Road, Haven Lane and Four Oaks Drive.
•Also Mandatory are all residences on Amesbury Drive beginning at Gold Run Road and encompassing all roads south including Jura Road, Juro Road, Hill Creek Road and Morningstar Road.
•An Evacuation Warning has been issued for Wingfield Road from Richmond Road south to Peter Lassen’s Grave. Gold Run Road is closed to all traffic from Gold Crest Road South.
All other evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
UPDATE 8:20 p.m. Aug. 19: According to InciWeb, the Sheep Fire has burned 7,000 acres and is 0 percent contained. The Sheep Fire is part of the North Complex, a group of lightning-caused fires burning on the Mt. Hough Ranger District on the Plumas National Forest and collectively has burned a combined 8,600 acres with the Claremont and Bear fires, which are near the Middle Fork Feather River, south of Quincy.
UPDATE 7:15 p.m. Aug. 19: The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office expanded evacuation orders Wednesday evening.
Mandatory Evacuation Order
•Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for all residences on Amesbury Drive beginning from Amesbury Drive at Jura Road and encompassing all roads south including Jura Road, Juro Road, and Morningstar Road.
•Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents along Gold Run Road from Amesbury Drive west to the end of Gold Run.
•Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for all residences on Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.
Evacuations Warnings
•Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along the Gold Run Road west of Gunderson Road west to Amesbury Drive.
•Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents on the north side of Gold Run Road west of Richmond Road to Gunderson Road.
•Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along both sides of Circle Drive from Richmond Road including all roads accessed from Circle Drive.
According to the Plumas National Forest, “The Sheep Fire is actively spreading to the northeast driven by gusty southwest winds. There are over 20 engines, 15 dozers, 2 helicopters, and a handcrew working on the fire. Firefighters working on the north side of the fire are constructing fire line on the main fire and on a spot fire. Contingency fire lines are being constructed between the fire and the Gold Run area. Crews are holding completed dozer line on the east side of the fire. CAL FIRE and local government cooperators continue to assist the Plumas National Forest resources in the fire fight. Smoky conditions exist in the area as a result of the Sheep Fire and numerous wildfires burning throughout the state. The Type 1 Incident Management Team ordered to support the Plumas National Forest with the North Complex, which includes the Sheep Fire, is expected to assume command of the fire tomorrow.”
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UPDATE 12:30 p.m. Aug. 19: The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office has issued updated mandatory evacuations and warnings Wednesday, effective immediately.
Mandatory Evacuation Order
•Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents along Gold Run Road from Amesbury Drive west to the end of Gold Run.
•Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for all residences on Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.
With a break in the smoke from the Sheep Fire, provided by a shift in the wind direction, a helicopter scoops a bucket of water out of Emerson Lake about 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Photo by Carol Roberts
Evacuations Warnings
•Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along the Gold Run Road west of Gunderson Road west to Amesbury Drive.
•Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents on the north side of Gold Run Road west of Richmond Road to Gunderson Road.
•Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along both sides of Circle Drive from Richmond Road including all roads accessed from Circle Drive.
Gold Run Road is closed to non-residents.
People need to leave the evacuated area. Please use caution and be courteous to your neighbors. Drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch center at 251-6121. If you are in need of shelter for yourself or your animals, including large animals, please call the Emergency Shelter line at 250-9088. Large animals can be housed at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Check in at the Fair office on Russell Drive first before 5pm. After 5pm, call the Emergency Shelter Line. Liability, feed, and care of large animals is the sole responsibility of the animal’s owner. Deputies will be going door to door to make notification.
UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19: The Sheep Fire (the largest fire in the North Complex on the Plumas National Forest) is now 4,500 and 0 percent contained, according to the Plumas National Forest. The evacuation order and warnings remain in place.
Mandatory Evacuation Order
•Residents along Gold Run Road from Amesbury Drive west to the end of Gold Run.
Evacuations Warnings
The Sheep Fire (the largest fire in the North Complex on the Plumas National Forest) is now 4,500 and 0 percent contained. The fire burned actively through the night and is spreading to the northeast. Map from PNF•Residents along the Gold Run Road west of Gunderson Road west to Amesbury Drive.
•All residences on Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.
Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch center at (530)251-6121. If you are in need of shelter for yourself or your animals, including large animals, please call the Emergency Shelter line at (530)250-9088.
Gold Run Road will be closed to non-residents.
Plumas County Road 213 is closed at the intersection of the 28N03 Road north to the Plumas National Forest boundary where it turns into County Road 204. The 28N03 Road (the alternate route to Antelope Lake) remains open.
“The fire burned actively through the night and is spreading to the northeast. Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit continues to assist with resources (dozers, engines, and helicopters) on the north end of the fire near the community of Susanville. Dozers were able to make some progress on the fire overnight,” read the update from PNF.
“The weather is expected to be hot and dry again today producing critical fire weather conditions. Winds will again play a factor in the spread of the fire. Winds are expected out of the southwest gusting to 30 mph. A Type 1 Incident Management Team will be arriving today to support the Plumas National Forest with the North Complex,” continued the update.
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UPDATE 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18: The North Complex is now estimated at 1,800 acres, according to Plumas National Forest.
Mandatory Evacuation Order
•Residents along Gold Run Road from Amesbury Drive west to the end of Gold Run.
Evacuations Warnings
•Residents along the Gold Run Road west of Gunderson Road west to Amesbury Drive.
•All residences on Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.
Gold Run Road will be closed to non-residents.
People need to leave the evacuated area. Please use caution and be courteous to your neighbors. Drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch center at 251-6121. If you are in need of shelter for yourself or your animals, including large animals, please call the Emergency Shelter line at 250-9088. Deputies will be going door to door to make notification.
According to the Plumas National Forest, “The fire activity increased with the afternoon winds and the three larger fires (Sheep, Fleming, and Willard) have all merged into one fire and is now being referred to as the Sheep Fire. The Sheep Fire has crested the Diamond Mountain ridge and can be seen burning above Susanville. Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit is assisting with the fire on the Susanville side of the hill.
UPDATE 6:20 p.m. Aug. 18: According to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents along Gold Run Road from Amesbury Drive west to the end of Gold Run.
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along the Gold Run Road west of Gunderson Road west to Amesbury Drive.
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences on Old Archery Road, Old Scotts Logging Road, Childrens Road, and Oak Mountain Drive.
Gold Run Road will be closed to non-residents.People need to leave the evacuated area.
Please use caution and be courteous to your neighbors. Drive with your headlights on and yield to emergency personnel. Residents needing assistance evacuating are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch center at 251-6121.
If you are in need of shelter for yourself or your animals, including large animals, please call the Emergency Shelter line at 250- 9088. Deputies will be going door to door to make notification.For information on what to bring with you in the event of an evacuation, go to
UPDATE 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18: “Effective immediately, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along Gold Run Road west of Amesbury Drive. Gold Run Road will be closed to non-residents beyond Amesbury Drive.
Deputies will be going door to door to make notification. Please use caution when leaving the area,” read a statement from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
*Residents with special needs who require assistance evacuating or who need to evacuate large animals are asked to consider evacuating now. For Emergency Shelter information, call 251-9088.
As of the last update, the North Complex, which was comprised of seven lightning-cased fires in the Fleming Sheep Camp area, southwest of Red Rock Lookout in the northern Plumas National Forest, had burned 300 acres with no containment. Of the seven fires, four were contained; the three others, the Sheep, Fleming, and Willard, had no containment.
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The Monday, Aug. 17 lightning storm spurred several fires across the region, with the North Complex consisting of seven fires. The complex is located in the Fleming Sheep Camp area, to the southwest of Red Rock Lookout in the northern Plumas National Forest.
According to the Plumas National Forest, “The North Complex currently includes seven fires and is being managed as one incident. Four of the smaller fires in the complex (six acres or less) have been contained. Those four fires are the Kessler, Neer, Evans and Meyers. The three largest fires in the complex, the Sheep, Fleming, and Willard, burned actively last night in the area near Fleming Sheep Camp, southwest of Red Rock Lookout in the northern Plumas National Forest. These three fires are estimated to be at a combined acreage of 300 acres with no containment.
“Today, Tuesday, Aug. 18, firefighters will continue working to gain access to these fires as they are burning in rugged, inaccessible terrain. Better mapping will also be completed today. The smoke column will look much like it did yesterday and will be very visible from north, particularly from the Susanville and Westwood areas.
“The fires remain south of the Diamond Mountain ridge and are spreading to the east. Grazing permittees with grazing permits in the area have been notified. Numerous resources are working on the fires and more have been ordered.
“Road Closures: County Road 213 is closed at the intersection of the 28N03 Road and north to the Plumas National Forest boundary where it turns into County Road 204. The 28N03 Road (the alternate route to Antelope Lake) remains open.”
