HomeLocalBeckwourth Fire Complex updateBeckwourth Fire Complex updateWed, July 7, 2021SHARE NOW Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Beckwourth Complex Morning Update Beckwourth Complex Fires Acres % Contained Total Acres Total Personnel Dotta 670 40% 3,035 270* *(Additional resources Sugar 2,365 28% on order) *Fire Resources: 6 crews, 1 helicopter, 14 engines, 2 bulldozers, 3 water tenders Current Situation: Late yesterday afternoon, the Sugar Fire, that is part of the Beckwourth Complex, crossed outside of its current containment line. The fire was pushed across the containment line as a result of 20-35 mph gusty, southwest winds. The fire grew approximately 1,875 acres overnight and is burning in a northeast direction towards Reconnaissance Peak. Air tankers, flying out of McClellan Air Tanker Base dropped multiple loads of retardant to slow the fire’s spread, along with helicopters dropping water, giving firefighters on the ground an opportunity to safely attack the spreading fire. Firefighters that worked yesterday’s day shift staffed the Sugar fire last night. Those resources included hand crews, dozers, engines and water tenders. A structure protection group comprised of local fire departments and Cal Fire engines provided structure protection to residences around the Maddalena area all evening. No structures have been damaged or impacted. Additional resources of firefighters, helicopters, engine strike teams, and dozers have been ordered and will be arriving throughout the day to respond aggressively, hoping to take advantage of predicted minimal wind and utilization of aircraft to support ground resources. Expect to see a steady stream of air tankers and helicopters flying retardant and water tomorrow. Some crews and other equipment from the Dotta Fire will be moved to support the Sugar Fire. Fuels within the interior of the Dotta Fire will continue smoldering and burning themselves out. Evacuations: A Mandatory Evacuation has been ordered by the Plumas County Sherriff’s Office due to a flare up within the Beckwourth Complex. Residents from Beckwourth Genesee Road to Harrison Ranch Road need to leave the area. 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: Sunny skies will prevail with temperatures remaining a few degrees above normal. Little change in relative humidity is expected with poor to moderate recovery to start the day followed by USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender very low afternoon humidity. Winds will be light and terrain influenced through the morning, increasing and becoming gusty through 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 or Plumas National Forest closures in effect. 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 Preventing Wildfires: We are asking everyone to remain vigilant this wildfire season. Please know and follow current fire restrictions. Report any suspected violations to local authorities. If you see something, say something. A single phone call to 9-1-1 can be the difference in preventing a catastrophic wildfire.