PRESS RELEASE 7/14/2021 8am
BECKWOURTH COMPLEX FIRE
EVACUATION STATUS UPDATE

There is no change in the status of evacuation orders or warnings this morning. We are asking the citizens of Milford, Doyle, and Herlong to remain vigilant and watch for changing fire conditions. Spot fires along the ridgeline coupled with high winds can cause fire activity to escalate quickly, especially in those areas. It is imperative that you remain alert and ready to evacuate if that occurs. We appreciate your patience and will continue to notify you as changes occur.

A Mandatory Evacuation Order is still in effect for:

• Doyle Proper west of US 395 from the intersection of County Road A26 and US 395 south to Constantia Rd. but not including Constantia Rd. is still under mandatory evacuation order.

Evacuation Warnings remain in effect for the following areas:

• Doyle east of US 395 including Doyle Loop and all roads connecting to Doyle Loop and Hackstaff Road to Laver Crossing is now under evacuation warning including the town of Herlong south to the Lassen/Sierra County line.

• West of US 395 from the north end of Constantia Rd. south to the Lassen/Sierra County line and from the intersection of A26 north to Milford Grade is now under Evacuation Warning.

The Lassen County Planning Department is now able to provide property owners with information regarding property loss. You can access information by calling (530)251-8269. Thank you for your patience while assessment crews complete their work.

Be aware that changing conditions in fire activity may cause this area to escalate to an Evacuation Order at any time. Be aware that traffic interruptions may exist due to emergency personnel working in the area. Drive with your lights on and yield to emergency personnel. See the attached information on precautions you should take when returning home after wildfire.

Although wildfire damage can be immeasurable, the danger is not over after the flames are put out. Flash flooding and debris flows, structural damage, road instability, and damaged trees are just some of the dangers that exist after a wildfire. Keep these tips in mind:
• Stay away from your home or business until fire officials tell you it is safe to return.
• Flash floods are a very real and potentially deadly hazard after a wildfire, particularly as a result of rain falling over a burned area upstream of your location. Stay away from burned forests, storm channels, and natural drainages (rivers, creeks, and engineered channels can convey deadly flows of water and debris, especially after a wildfire). Have a battery-powered radio to listen for emergency updates, weather forecasts, reports of flash flooding, and news reports.
• Have an evacuation plan in place and make sure all family members are familiar with it.
• Be aware of and use extreme caution around trees, power poles, and other tall objects or structures that may have lost stability during the fire. Most burned structures and surfaces will be unstable. Stay out of burned forests during windy conditions, as burned trees are easily downed by wind. Do not touch any power lines.
• Keep a “fire watch.” That means look for smoke or sparks throughout the house and on rooftops (e.g., in gutters), etc. Look for ash pits or hidden embers. Stay away – they can burn you.
• Before inspecting your home, first check for the smell of gas. Turn off power until you’ve completed your inspection. Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. (Note: the flashlight should be turned on outside before entering. The battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.)
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, flood waters, or soot.
• Utilities: If there is no power, check to make sure the main breaker is on. If the breakers are on and power is still not present, contact the utility company. If you have a propane tank or system, contact a propane supplier, turn off valves on the system, and leave valves closed until the supplier inspects your system. If you have a heating oil tank system, contact a heating oil supplier for an inspection of your system before you use it. If you have a solar electrical system, this system should be inspected by a licensed technician to verify that the solar panels and electrical wiring are safe for continued operation.