For the first time since the blaze started on July 24th, the Park Fire held within its current footprint, its perimeter holding its ground yesterday, even as stronger winds blew through the area. With the hard work of fire crews and help from aerial resources, the current burned area sits at just over 429,000 acres and has gained 39% containment. Fire officials say It’s still mainly burning through mature timber, with dead and downed trees fueling the flames. Inside the fire perimeter, some hot spots continue to smolder, but they’re well within the containment lines.
Weather conditions are looking up, with cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and less wind on the way. These changes should help slow down the fire, especially in lower areas where the fuel isn’t as intense.
On the ground, firefighters are working around the clock to put out any remaining heat along the fire’s edge. Crews are also busy clearing out hazardous trees along roads and the fire’s perimeter. They’re doing some cleanup work too, trying to restore areas disturbed by the fire back to a more natural state.
Smoke is expected to remain visible as the last of the unburned fuels inside the fire perimeter burn. Crews are strengthening fire lines and keeping a close eye on things, with some high-tech help from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that can spot hot spots overnight.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has reduced an evacuation warning for Zone PLU-040-A, which includes North Humbolt Rd, south of Highway 36, west of Highway 89, and east of the Plumas-Butte County line.
Zones PLU-001-A, PLU-001-B, PLU-002-A, remain under evacuation warnings.
Photo shows PIO fire Progression map by day, updated Aug. 13, 2024
