PLACER COUNTY, Calif. — 10:30 p.m. Update:
Both eastbound I-80 lanes are open now between Gold Run and the SR-20 connector. Westbound I-80 remains reduced to one lane for clean up from the Dutch Fire, according to Caltrans.
7:30 p.m. Update:
The Dutch Fire near I-80 and Ridge Road is currently burning at 30 acres and is 30% contained, according to Cal Fire.
I-80 has also opened one lane in both directions.
6:30 p.m. Update:
Placer County Sheriff's officials say all evacuation orders near Dutch Flat in Placer County have been lifted as of 6:26 p.m.
Original Story:
A vegetation fire near Dutch Flat in Placer County prompted evacuations and closed westbound Interstate 80, Tuesday.
All eastbound lanes on I-80 have reopened but westbound lanes remain closed as fire crews perform controlled burns to keep the fire from spreading, according to Caltrans. Traffic is being diverted down Highway 20.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office says evacuations have been ordered for the areas of Ridge Road, Frost Hill Road and Murry Ranch Road.
EVACUATIONS:
- Ridge Road
- Frost Hill Road
- Murray Ranch Road
- Monte Vista Exit
- Alta Forestry
Live Evacuation Maps
Placer County Sheriff's Office evacuation map (You need to click the "I Understand" box to use the map):
Live Traffic Maps
STAY INFORMED:
FIRE MAP:
This map from the National Interagency Fire Center shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load):
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2021 fire season started earlier than previous years, but also ended earlier, as well. January 2021 saw just under 1,200 acres burned from nearly 300 wildfires. Fires picked up in the summer when the Dixie Fire burned in five Northern California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama. The Dixie Fire started on July 13 and wasn't contained until Oct. 25, burning nearly 1 million acres. It has since become the second-largest wildfire in state history and the largest non-complex fire.
Overall, 2.5 million acres were burned in 2021 from 8,835 wildfires. Over 3,600 structures were destroyed and 3 people were killed.
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, and 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 knowing 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, visit 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.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
Watch more from ABC10: California Wildfires | Evacuations still in place for Mosquito Fire in Placer, El Dorado counties
