Good news, bad news on the East Zone this afternoon

While in some East Zone areas of the Dixie Fire, evacuation warnings were lifted today, Aug. 23, other areas of the fire are heating up.

In an update this afternoon it was reported the crews from the West Zone are helping the East Zone firefighters in the Genesee area. The fire has increased in activity with a strong south wind and is very visible from Taylorsville, though there have been no new spots in Genesee Valley.

In east Genesee Valley near the Walker Fire Scar, crews are strengthening and reinforcing dozer lines and spraying retardant on one side of the road to pre-treat the area and reduce the fire’s ability to spread. On some portions of the road the fire has held, but one area slopped over, and a strike team of hand crews from San Bernardino County are working on the area along the southern fire perimeter, building direct line near the old fire scar to tie it into the road.

Five aircraft are up and working in the area supporting firefighters on the ground.

Activity also increased on the spot fire on Grizzly Peak and crews continue to work at finding locations for control lines.

Mop up is ongoing around Peters Creek after last night’s work as firefighters increase depth on the line to try and moderate fire behavior. In Indian valley, and the rest of the southern perimeter, crews are continuing to patrol and mop up.