Beckwourth Complex at 105,348 acres, 73 percent containment
California Interagency Incident Management Team (CIIMT) 4 Operation Section Chief Jake Cagle gave the latest update on the state of the Beckwourth Complex on the evening of Saturday, July 17 via livestream.
Cagle first announced that the fire is at 105,348 acres with 73 percent containment.
“From Maddalena west to the 395 corridor, everything continues to remain in its current footprint, and crews will continue to maintain a 24-hour presence engaged in mop up,” Cagle said. “From the 395 north to Doyle and into the Doyle Springs road system and Meadow View area, everything is also remaining contained and we will work to continue to continue a deeper mop up.”
The piece of containment that was finished on the eastern flank last night has held through the day with no change, and the Dotta fire also remains in place with 99 percent containment.
“For tomorrow, there will be a transition to Corey, instead of me, from California Incident Management team 5,” Cagle said. “Their main focus tomorrow is going to be mopping up as well.”
Cagle went on to state that their thoughts were with residents impacted by this fire, and that it has been “an honor” to work in the area.
“We really appreciate all the support that you all have given this team, and all of the other agencies that collaborated to control this fire,” Cagle continued.
He reminded everyone that the best way to help the firefighters is to ensure defensible space around your home and to stay alert and heed any evacuation orders.
California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 will be taking over the fire in support of the Plumas National Forest at 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 18 as Team 4 times out after two weeks of grueling work on the Beckwourth Complex Fire.
In response to questions from the public regarding why the team is being changed out, the team stated that “due to the nature of their work and long hours, teams are generally deployed for only two weeks at a time and then refreshed by a new team.”
Both Team 4 and the incoming Team 5 are specifically trained to manage large complex disasters including hurricanes and floods, but large wildfires are their specialty.
On their Facebook page, Plumas National Forest staff noted that once the fire is controlled the work isn’t over, concluding, “Plumas National Forest staff will seek opportunities to team up with the many partners who care about this special place when the forest begins its restoration efforts.”
