Smoke moderates Dixie Fire behavior: 434,813 acres burned, 21 percent contained
Although temperatures were cooler and the inversion layer moderated fire behavior, the Dixie Fire is down in containment at 21 percent Friday evening, and has burned 434,813 acres. So far there are 184 structures and 84 minor structures destroyed.
About 13,871 structures remained threatened, and all evacuations orders and warnings for Lassen County remain in place. There have been no injuries, for either civilians or firefighters, reported.
According to the evening updates:
Dixie Fire East Zone – Today’s weather inversion moderated fire behavior. The fire is now burning northeast into the 2020 Sheep Fire scar. Firefighters assessed homes, laid hose and staged sprinklers along State Route 147, along the east shore of Lake Almanor, in Clear Creek and in Westwood to protect structures should the fire spread further north. Crews also went direct along the fireline and used heavy equipment to keep the fire south of Dyer Mountain. Firefighters were able to build upon overnight strategic firing operations to keep the fire west of Crescent Mills. Crews feel confident they will be able to contain a roughly 50-acre spot fire on Lone Rock, which is burning into sparse fuels surrounded by roads that provide a natural barrier.For clarification, the community of Greenhorn is not considered to be threatened by the Dixie Fire. The intent of our reference to Greenhorn in our morning update was for fire mangers to inform the public of the large area of critical infrastructure that is being protected to the east of the Dixie Fire.
Dixie Fire West Zone –There was a change in the weather pattern today, as smoke lingered over the region, changing the fire environment. Temperatures were cooler, especially in smokey areas, and relative humidity is expected to trend higher. Fire behavior is expected to be moderated by smoke from this and other fires. Although this may reduce large runs and spotting, there will still be active fire behavior. Dry fuels are creating serious resistance to control. Fire crews continue to provide structure defense, construct, and improve fire line, mop up and patrol. Damage assessment teams are in place, assessing damages, in areas where fire activity has diminished.