BUTTE COUNTY, Calif — More evacuation orders and warnings were issued in Plumas and Lassen counties due to the Dixie Fire on Tuesday.
The Dixie Fire is impacting five counties in Northern California: Butte, Plumas, Tehama, Lassen, and Shasta, according to Cal Fire.
The first orders were issued around the Lake Davis area around noon on Monday. Evacuees were told to head south to Portola where a shelter has been set up. Around 5:30 p.m., evacuation orders were expanded significantly. At the same time, several evacuation warnings were issued around Highway 70 on the east side of Lee Summit, near Beckwourth, north of Portola, on the north side of Delleker, and more.
On Tuesday, a new mandatory evacuation order has been issued for:
• Lassen: Milford area east (lake side) of Hwy 395 from the Thunder Mountain Rd intersection south to County Rd A26/Garnier Rd. This includes the south side of County Rd A25 east to but NOT including Sierra Army Depot – Zones LAS-E011-A, E008-A, B, E002-B, C
• Beckwourth Genesee Road east through Dixie Valley Road to the Plumas County line and north to the Plumas County line. This includes Dixie Valley and Frenchman Lake. [PLU 34, PLU 37, PLU 43-A and 43-B]
• North of Hwy 44 from Forest Route 33NO2 east to County Rd A21 and north to Crater Lake Campground – Zones LAS-E035-F
• Antelope Mountain and Campbell Mountain area east of County Rd A21 and west of County Rd A1 – Zone LAS-E035-B and E035-I
All previously issued orders and warnings remain in place.
Tap here to see the latest evacuation information and maps.
The fire has burned 819,956 acres and is still 49% contained.
In the west zone of the fire, winds spurred increased fire activity outside the Caribous Wilderness and in the Lassen Volcanic National Park. The portion of the fire in the park burned back into the main portion of the fire flank to the west toward Highway 44 while the northeastern portion burned toward Westwood Logging Road and Highway 44 with active runs and spotting.
In the east zone of the fire, firefighters dealt with fire along Queens Creek Road, utilizing aerial firefighting and ground resources to keep the spread in check. However, the efforts were not able to completely stop the forward movement of the fire. The Mount Ingalls and Red Clover Creek areas saw increased fire activity due to increased winds and caused large columns of smoke across the region.
Respond to questions about reopening Taylorsville, Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns said in a 7 p.m. update that there was still fire activity in the area and that the order won't be lifted until the area is safe. He also made note that fire crews have done a great job keeping fire away from Greenhorn, Cromberg and Portola, but those communities need to be vigilant and ready for wildfire.
"You’re in green timber and we’ve seen repeatedly that this fire has done what it wants to do – again the fire crews are doing everything possible to keep it from doing that – but you need to be vigilant and cognizant of the possibility that fire could come in your direction,” said Sheriff Johns.
As some areas repopulate, officials are encouraging people to stay on guard as it relates to fire conditions. Smoke coming from trees and stumps might be seen for days after people return home and, if people see any active flames near homes or businesses, officials are asking them to call 911.
At this time, 1,282 structures have been destroyed in the fire and 92 structures have been damaged. Of the structures destroyed, about 688 were homes. More than 14,000 structures are threatened by the fire.
Accounts to follow:
Evacuations and road closures
Click HERE for in-depth evacuation orders and warnings in Plumas, Butte, Tehama, and Lassen Counties. For current state highway/route information visit roads.dot.ca.gov.
Evacuation centers
Plumas County:
- All shelters in Plumas County have been consolidated to the Holy Family Catholic Church at 108 Taylor Ave, Portola.
Tehama County:
- Los Molinos Veterans Hall 7980 Sherwood Blvd, Los Molinos, CA
96055
NOTE: The Lassen High School shelter has closed
American Red Cross: Public Information Line (855)-755-7711
Animal Evacuation Centers:
Plumas County:
- Plumas County Fairgrounds 204 Fairground Road, Quincy
(large animals) - 201 Mill Creek Road, Quincy
(small animals) - Recreation Center 101 Meadowview Lane, Chester
Tehama County:
- Tehama County Complex 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff
(large and small animals)
Wildlife Rescue
- Response for injured wildlife: 1-800-942-6459
- Gold Country Wildlife Rescue: 1-530-885-0862
Dixie Fire Structure Status Map
A live map showing which structures have been destroyed or at risk is available below.
Evacuation Map
A live evacuation map is available below.
Wildfire Map
An updated map of the acreage of the Dixie Fire.
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WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, 2020 was one of the most severe fire seasons on record as 9,917 wildfires burned 4.2 million acres. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, and 31 people (civilians and firefighters) were killed.
California also experienced its first "Gigafire" because of the August Complex Fire, burning over 1 million acres by itself. Four of California's top five largest wildfires in state history happened in 2020.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: California Wildfires: Caldor and Dixie Fire Monday afternoon update