Plumas Sheriff addresses communications, evacuations and more on the Dixie Fire
By Debra Moore
Overwhelmed staff, communications, evacuation centers, public information numbers, and fire destruction were among the topics that Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns addressed when he provided an update to the Plumas County Board of Supervisors this morning, July 20.
“I want to start with something positive,” Johns told the supervisors, before commending his overworked staff for continuing to show up every day and for the effort they put into their work.
Johns then discussed issues with communication — both external to his department and internal. To begin with the incident command center is at the fairgrounds in Butte County, and much of the fire activity is in the Feather River Canyon where communications is notoriously poor. Johns drove the Highway 70 corridor last night to attend the meeting and was able to provide updated information on the status of the canyon that those at incident command were unaware of to that point.
Internally, the county’s Emergency Operations Center is at the courthouse annex and “staffed by folks like Lori Beatley (public health) and Gabriel Hydrick (county administrative officer).” Chandler Peay is the public information officer. “We have had a lot of feedback on our ability or inability to put out information,” Johns said, and then described the challenges that are being faced. Thus far, his office has been primarily using Facebook, but that is going to change and the information will be provided to media outlets.
As regards to evacuation shelters and centers, Johns said there is a distinction between the two. The former provides a place to sleep, while the latter is primarily for information, water and snacks.
An evacuation shelter had been set up at Quincy High School, but when it was under utilized it was closed. Then more evacuations were ordered. A new shelter has been established at Springs of Hope Church on Bell Lane in Quincy. But that’s not helpful to evacuees that could come from the Lake Almanor area if the advisories in place turn into orders.
“I still believe this fire is going to push toward Butt Lake, if residents of the West Shore are impacted, we will set up a shelter in Chester. He said that if Chester were to become impacted then a large scale evacuation center would be established in Tehama County. He said Lassen County isn’t an option because of its lingering power issues and it is still dealing with the after effects of the Beckwourth Complex Fire.
Also, Johns provided two new phone numbers for people with questions about the fire. The message is clear: don’t call dispatch. Call 592-0838 or 538-7826.
He also advised Plumas County residents even if they aren’t currently under an advisory, to prepare their homes and themselves in advance. They can remove pine needles from roofs and gutters, and clean up yard debris. They should also have to-go bags ready. “We’ve had lots of comments and questions from Greenville, Canyon Dam, and the West Shore — start making preparations now,” he said.
At least two structures have been destroyed in the Feather River Canyon. Johns said he didn’t have exact locations, but Plumas County Search and Rescue shared photos of a home burning on Howells Road across Highway 70 from the Belden Resort.
Public Works Director John Mannle, who was at the meeting, said that the Rich Bar bridge had been destroyed as has much of the area.
Johns added that his office has been receiving mutual aid from Lassen, Butte and Trinity counties as well as the Paradise Police Department to staff roadblocks and patrol. “I encourage our citizens to let them know they are welcome,” Johns said.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Engel told Sheriff Johns to share with his staff the board’s appreciation for the work that they are doing.
