BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — California’s largest single wildfire in recorded history is running through forestlands as fire crews try to protect rural communities from flames that have destroyed hundreds of homes.
The Dixie Fire in the northern Sierra Nevada is just 27% contained and fire officials warn that hot, dry weather and gusts could push flames harder in the next few days. On Monday, however, crews managed to make progress, cutting thousands of acres of fire lines.
The blaze has destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and other buildings and gutted the small town of Greenville. Damage reports are still preliminary because assessment teams can’t reach many areas.
The four-week-old Dixie Fire grew another 2,400 acres as it continues to burn in Butte, Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, burning a total of 489,205 acres with only 27% containment. It is the second-largest wildfire in state history.
Hot and dry conditions, along with thunderstorms, are still in the forecast for the firefight this week, which could potentially fuel fire growth.
There was increased fire behavior in the northeast part of the fire by Coyote Peak, China Gulch, and Dyer Mountain when temperatures rose and winds came back.
There are a total of 5,997 personnel working the fire, more than 16,035 structures are threatened by the fire, and so far 1,027 have been destroyed along with 69 structures damaged. Three firefighters have been injured.
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
- Spring of Hope Church, 59 Belle Lane Quincy, CA 95971
- run by the American Red Cross California Gold Country Region
- Plumas County Animal Services, 201 N Mill Creek Rd Quincy, CA 95971
- Veterans Memorial Hall at 180 Gay St. in Chester, CA
- Lassen Community College at 478-200 CA-139 Susanville
- Plumas County Fairgrounds 204 Fairground Road, Quincy (large animals)
- Recreation Center 101 Meadowview Lane, Chester
- Tehama County Complex 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff (large and small animals)
Dixie Fire Structure Status Map
A live map showing which structures have been destroyed or at risk is available below.
Butte County Evacuation Map
A live evacuation map from Butte County is available below.
Wildfire Map
An updated map of the acreage of the Dixie Fire
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 FROM ABC10: California Wildfires: Dixie Fire grows, four people found safe | August 9, 2021
