Sept. 8 North Complex Fire UPDATE: Posing threat to Butte County, Lake Oroville
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: The North Complex Fire is moving from Plumas County into Butte County and its Sheriff’s Office has upgraded the previous evacuation warning to an immediate evacuation order for Feather Falls and Clipper Mills. The evacuation order also includes Berry Creek, Brush Creek and Forbestown.
During this afternoon’s briefing, the Forest Service is reporting that the new growth is now 15,000 to 20,000 acres and growing about 1,000 acres every half hour. The fire is burning parallel to the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The fire is reported burning through the crowns of trees and has the potential to reach Lake Oroville.
Butte, Yuba and Plumas County residents are all being asked to check evacuation orders regularly, by visiting their Sheriff’s websites.
The fire crossed the Middle Fork of the Feather River this morning about 10 a.m. The rest of the fire is holding within its perimeter.
8:10 a.m. UPDATE: Higher wind speeds associated with the dry cold front switched to the east/northeast as expected last night and increased fire rates, flame lengths, and spotting distances. There was a small slopover on the northwest flank of the fire which night crews successfully suppressed with hoses.
Crews will continue to work to hold lines and mop up today while remaining extra vigilant for potential very active fire behavior. Helicopters will be utilized for water drops as winds allow. Firefighter and public safety will remain the priority.
Original story: The weather for the next 24 hours will continue to be key for fighting the North Complex Fire. A Red Flag Warning is in place through Wednesday morning as a strong, dry cold front moves through the region. Most of Plumas County is currently experiencing a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
As of this morning’s report, the fire is 40,703 acres and 51 percent contained.
Yesterday crews continued to increase containment and the current fire perimeter held. Winds increased over the fire, which improved visibility, but also increased fire behavior. Helicopters made water and retardant drops due to the increased visibility. The burning operation connecting the former Bear and Claremont Fires continues to successfully back slowly down into the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The Middle Fork is expected to see 45 mph winds tomorrow.
The Lookout Rock area has seen active fire behavior and crews have been successful in constructing additional line.
Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the Bucks Lake area and Quincy LaPorte Road from Highway 70 south to Thompson Creek. A structure protection plan remains in place for Bucks Lake, Haskins and the Highlands. A resident reports that there is hose line around all of the homes at Bucks Lake.
Quincy LaPorte Road is open to residents only. The unpaved portion of Peppard Flat Road is closed.
The communities of Greenhorn, Spring Garden, Cromberg, Sloat and the Highway 70 corridor are likewise considered safe and all advisories have been removed for those residents.
For a more in-depth description on tactical operations of the North Complex Fire, please watch the latest operational video updates at: www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas
The Claremont Fire broke out Aug. 17 as the result of a lightning strike. It forced evacuations and threatened the communities of East Quincy, La Porte Road, the Highway 70 corridor, Spring Garden, Greenhorn, Cromberg and Sloat during the past weeks. But as of 2 p.m. Aug. 5, all evacuation advisories have been lifted. Only one outbuilding has been lost during the fire.
The Bear Fire also broke out Aug. 17 following a lightning strike. Initially it was left to burn because it wasn’t immediately a threat to people or property; it was in steep, rugged terrain; and resources were scarce due to the fires burning across the state. So though it held at 50 acres for a while, it grew to over 12,000 acres and threatened the communities of Bucks Lake, Haskins Valley, Tollgate and Meadow Valley. An advisory remains in effect for portions of Bucks Lake and structure protection remains in the area.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
