BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. —
Containment numbers have increased for the wildfire that is burning near the site of the 2018 Camp Fire, according to Cal Fire's tweet.
The Dixie Fire started on Tuesday, July 13, growing the past two days since inception, currently sitting at 4,965 acres burned and 7% contained in Butte and Plumas Counties.
According to Cal Fire, northeast winds pushed the flames further north towards Tobin Ridge, which is primarily of recreational trails and camping sites. "Steep and inaccessible terrain" is still making it hard for firefighters to contain the flames.
Jacob Gilliam, with Cal Fire, told ABC10 there were reports that the Dixie Fire was burning in Sugarloaf Mountain and has since grown. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.
According to Cal Fire, the Dixie Fire is burning away from any populated areas in Butte County. Camp Creek Road is currently the only known road closure.
Plumas County Sheriff's Office issued mandatory evacuations for the High Lakes area and is asking anyone in the area to leave immediately. The Pacific Crest Trail in Plumas National Forest was also closed at Highway 70 north of Belden.
The National Weather Service says that heavy smoke will likely be seen near the Dixie Fire over the next few days.
Survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California history, are worried that history could repeat itself.
Accounts to follow:
Mandatory evacuations
- High Lakes area
- Rock Creek to Tobin from the Plumas-Butte County line to the community of Tobin
Evacuation Warnings, Live Map
- East of Tobin to Caribou
- Caribou
- Belden
- Philbrook area to the Plumas County Line
- Pulga
- East Concow
A live evacuation map from Butte County is available below.
Wildfire Maps
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, 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.
Watch more from ABC10
California Wildfires: What's the difference between Dixie Fire and 2018 Camp Fire?