Beckwourth Complex Morning Update

Beckwourth Complex Morning Update
Beckwourth Complex Fires Acres % Contained Total Acres Total Personnel
Dotta 670 48% 12,469 572 Sugar 11,799 20%
*Fire Resources: 12 crews, 8 helicopters, 39 engines, 1 dozer, 4 water tenders
Fire behavior increased significantly yesterday due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. A steady stream
of helicopters, very large air tankers (VLATS), large air tankers (LATS), and fixed wings aircraft were
engaged in the fire fight from above, with additional resources of firefighters, engine strike teams and
dozers working below throughout the day. However, wind alignment and receptive fuels led to the
fire’s growth. The fire grew northeast to Carmen Road and the right flank of the fire spread to Trusi
Canyon. Last night, crews worked to protect structures, building direct and indirect line, conducting
tactical firing operations and working to keep the fire from further spread.
The Dotta Fire in the Beckwourth Complex remains in its current footprint and crews continue to be
diligent in getting rid of the smokes and gaining more depth in the mop up.
Today, similar conditions are expected as yesterday. As the inversion layer lifts and drying SW winds
increase, fire behavior will increase late morning and afternoon. Structure protection and improving
the east side is a priority with work being conducted along Frenchman Road. More resources are
arriving to support the fire efforts.
There will be a live virtual Community Meeting tonight at 7 p.m. posted on the Plumas National
Forest Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas/
Evacuations: The status of evacuations have been changing rapidly due to the dynamics of this fire.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued around Dooley, Big Cove, Frenchman Cove, Frenchman
Village and Frenchman Lake including all campgrounds and residences around the lake and Maddalena. An
Evacuation advisory is issued for Dixie Valley. The Plumas County Sheriff updates evacuation notices on
their Facebook page. Please, if you are issued a mandatory evacuation, it’s imperative that you leave,
follow their instructions, otherwise firefighters cannot do their job.
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An evacuation center has been set up at Portola Baptist Church at 171 Gulling Street in Portola. In
addition, an Evacuation Advisory is back in effect both Dixie Valley and Frenchman Cove areas.
Weather: It will be sunny today with temperatures trending hotter and drier. Little change in relative
humidity is expected with poor to moderate recovery to start the day followed by very low afternoon
humidity. Winds will be light and terrain influenced through the morning, increasing with gusts up to
30 mph in the afternoon.
Air Quality: Smoke, including smoke from neighboring fires, will continue to become more prominent
each day due to southerly winds. Refer to https://www.airnow.gov for more information on smoke
conditions in your area.
Closures: There are no current highway closures, the Plumas National Forest will be issuing a Forest
Closure within the Beckwourth Fire Area very soon.
Fire Restrictions: Current fire restrictions remain in effect for the Plumas National Forest. For more
information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/plumas/home/?cid=stelprdb5374320