On Monday afternoon, a pyrocumulus smoke plume reaching 35,000 feet in the air was visible across the region. While the smoke did not settle into the area, it was alarming.
Maps from overnight indicate that due to yesterday’s weather, fire intensity increased significantly in the deep 8-mile stretch of the Mill Creek drainage. The total burn area witnessed a 4500-acre growth. The Lassen National Forest says this activity has been anticipated as weather conditions continue to trend hotter and drier.
CALFIRE says the fire in the Mill Creek drainage remained with established control lines despite the fire activity.
Forest Officials say you will see increased smoke production as it burns deep within the Mill Creek drainage.
Firefighters are using helicopter water drops to moderate fire behavior and keep it within the planning area. Mark Brunton, Fire Section Chief with CALFIRE, says the command team is establishing a “complex” plan that includes low-intensity burns ahead of the fire in the drainage. While weather and heavy fuel loading continue to complicate the situation, Brunton says that when out of the planning phase for these planned operations, officials are expecting success in the drainage.
Plumas County Sheriff’s have lifted the evacuation warning for Plumas zone 40, which extends from North of Concow Road to Howells Road, South of California Highway 36, West of California Highway 89, and Seneca Road.
According to the incident fire progression maps, fire activity threatening this area of the county has been minimal and has not progressed since around July 27th.
Plumas zone 001 remains under the evacuation warning. The Tehema Sheriffs have issued additional evacuation orders for areas east of Mill Creek and along Highway 36 to the Plumas County line.
The CHP is reminding the community that there is no ETA for the re-opening of the current closures on SR-36 or SR-32 due to the ongoing fire activity from the Park Fire. Officials state they have received numerous calls and inquiries daily but assure that all proactive measures are being implemented to open the roadways as soon as it is safe to do so.
Over 6,600 personnel are working the fire.
Image: PIO Map of Fire Progression Aug. 6, 2024
