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North Complex Fire reaches 294,301 acres and 64 percent containment | Update

The North Complex Fire is now the 5th largest in California history and the 7th deadliest.

OROVILLE, Calif. — As of Monday, Sept. 21, the North Complex Fire has reached 294,301 acres and 64 percent containment

According to Plumas National Forest, 1,887 structures have been damaged or destroyed. The number of deaths caused by this fire still stands at 15. 

The North Complex West Zone, of which Cal Fire has taken command, has reached 80,500 acres with 56 percent containment. Firefighters continue to create containment lines alone the fire line, while the California National Guard has been assisting with mopping up the fire area. 

Cal Fire also gave an update on the injured bear that was found in the West Zone, saying that the bear is currently in "stable but guarded" condition. 

7:45 p.m. update: 

One more North Complex West Zone victim was identified on Friday.

During Friday's Cal Fire news conference, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea identified 61-year-old Larry Holder as the latest victim. 

Law enforcement officers found Holder's remains in a metal shed while they were performing a wellness check at his home. Neighbors told law enforcement officers Holder said he planned to wait out the fire in the metal shed.

According to Cal Fire officials, the North Complex West Zone fire is 79,488 acres and 54% contained. The North Complex fire altogether is burned 287,354 acres and is 54% contained.

Cal Fire officials said 815 homes were destroyed in the North Complex fire with 35 homes damaged. Officials also said 51 commercial buildings were destroyed while five were damaged.

3:00 p.m. update:

Multiple evacuation warnings have been lifted and some mandatory evacuation warnings have been downgraded to warnings in Butte County. Evacuation updates can be found on the Butte County Sheriff's Twitter page

Original story:  

The blaze from the North Complex and North Complex West Zone Fire is, for the most part, being held in check by fire crews. 

Some progress was made on Thursday and overnight to contain both fires. 

In Plumas National Forest's latest updates, slightly calmer fire weather allowed fire crews to enter the "mop up" stage, meaning crew members check for hot spots, clear burning brush and downed trees, and make areas around power lines safe.

The lightning-started fire that has been burning since Aug. 17, 2020, currently sits at 41% containment and has burned 287,181 acres. The North Complex West Zone, formerly the Bear Fire, has burned roughly 78,372 acres and is 43% contained. Cal Fire reports that the winds have settled down overnight and cooler temperatures have arrived with higher humidity. 

There have been 15 fatalities due to the fire. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea released the identities of 13 people killed in the fire, one of those names having been released on Thursday. The released identities of victims are:

  • Susan Zurz, 76, of Berry Creek
  • Khawar Bhatti, 58 of Berry Creek
  • Millicent Catarancuic, 77 of Berry Creek
  • Josiah Williams,16 of Berry Creek
  • John Butler, 79, of Berry Creek
  • Sandra Butler, 75, of Berry Creek
  • Jorge Hernandez-Juarez, 26, of Berry Creek
  • Philip Rubel, 68, of Berry Creek
  • Jacob Albright, 74, of Feather Falls
  • Paul Winer, 68, Berry Creek
  • Randy Harrell, 67, of Berry Creek
  • Kin Lee, 61 of Berry Creek
  • Mark Delagardie, 61 of Berry Creek

As of Friday morning Sept. 18, 1,201 buildings have been reportedly destroyed or damaged. Cal Fire has released a map of damaged and destroyed structures due to the North Complex and North Complex West Zone fires

Plumas National Forest estimates the cost of the West Zone Fire alone to be around $26,662,238 at this time. The total cost of the North Complex Fire is estimated to be $72,831,078. 

Click HERE to check the air quality near where you live.

Click HERE for the latest evacuation information from the Butte County Sheriff's Office

Click HERE for the latest evacuation information from the Plumas County Sheriff's Office.

Click HERE for the latest evacuation information from the Yuba County Sheriff's Office

National Interagency Fire Center live map of the fire's location (it might take a few seconds for the fires to show up on the map):

Multiple roads in areas surrounding the fires are still closed.

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