BUTTE COUNTY, Calif — The Dixie Fire is impacting five counties in Northern California: Butte, Plumas, Tehama, Lassen, and Shasta, according to Cal Fire. The fire has burned 727,896 acres and is currently at 40% contained.
In an evening briefing, Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns said more than 559,000 acres of the fire, or 77%, has burned in Plumas County.
More people were allowed to return home as the numbers of evacuated persons in Lassen County drops to 1,703 from 3,603, according to Cal OES. The number of Plumas County evacuees recorded by Cal OES remains at 2,600 as of 4:30 p.m.
As some areas repopulate, official 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 business, officials are asking them to call 911.
In the west zone, crews are expecting quieter weather patterns for most of the week. Crews are continuing to mop-up hotspots and strengthen control lines. In the east zone, the eastern edge of the fire line toward Janesville and Milford is still secure. According to Cal Fire's 7 p.m. incident update, Genesee Valley burned "aggressively downhill" as crews tried to secure it at the roadway and catch any spots or slops along that occur. Contingency line is also being constructed above Taylorsville and is also being put in place to the south of Grizzly Ridge.
Also on Monday, Gov. Newsom requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to assist with recovery efforts for the Dixie, Antelope, McFarland, Monument and River Fires.
“We are deploying every available tool we have to keep communities safe as California battles these catastrophic wildfires driven by climate change impacts,” Newsom said in a press release. “Even while the fires continue to burn, we are working to put assistance programs in place for impacted individuals to support their recovery from these devastating fires.”
At this time, more than 1,262 structures have been destroyed in the fire and 91 structures have been damaged. Of the structures destroyed, about 678 were homes. 11,971 structures are still 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:
- Springs of Hope Church at 59 Bell Ln. in Quincy
- Holy Family Catholic Church 108 Taylor Ave. Portola, CA
- Lassen Community College 478-200 CA-139, Susanville, CA
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.
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.
Public Information Dixie Map
A map showing the perimeter of containment and full acreage
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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: Caldor Fire and Dixie Fire: California wildfires Sunday night update - Aug. 22, 2021