Chute, Yuba canyon

Chute, Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, Cal Fire. Three miles southeast of Dobbins, CA. Hardwood litter, timber and chaparral.

August 10, 2026 at 6:40 AM

The Chute Fire is now in patrol status. 100% contained.

July 28, 2026 at 8:05 AM Current evacuation warnings and orders in Yuba County have been lifted except for evacuation order 98B around the perimeter of the fire. The order remains in effect for public safety.

July 27, 2026 at 6:10 PM Minimal fire behavior with no growth over several days. Final update unless significant change occurs.

Firefighters continue working in some of the steepest terrain in the region. Crews are navigating rocky slopes above the North Yuba River to mop up hotspots, patrol containment lines, and begin removing hose from the fireline. One of today’s greatest hazards isn’t the active fire—it’s the fire-weakened trees. Trees that appear standing can be burning from the inside out, making them unpredictable. Without warning, they can fall onto firefighters, across the river, or into unburned vegetation, potentially igniting new fires and threatening containment efforts. These hazardous conditions require firefighters to move deliberately, constantly assess their surroundings, and prioritize safety while completing the mission.

July 27, 2026 at 8:25 AM CAL FIRE update:

Today’s operations include:

• Crews continuing mop-up and patrolling contingency lines.
• Firefighters removing excess hose from the fireline for transport back to base.
• UAS (drone) operations tonight to help locate remaining hotspots and support firefighters on the ground.
• Fire Suppression Repair crews continuing rehabilitation work alongside ongoing fire operations.

This week’s weather pattern brings an increased potential for new fire starts across the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, and firefighters remain prepared to respond.

Burned and fire-weakened trees pose a significant hazard on the fireline, requiring crews to work cautiously as suppression and repair efforts continue.

July 27, 2026 at 7:02 AM Overnight, containment increased to 80%. Demobilization of excess resources has begun.

July 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM The fire is now 60% contained.

July 26, 2026 at 9:04 PM Firefighters continue to make steady progress toward full containment. Today, crews focused on updating heat maps to identify and target remaining hot spots, while continuing mop-up operations more than 200 feet inside the fire perimeter to ensure any remaining heat is extinguished.

July 26, 2026 at 11:04 AM Fire Suppression Repair is underway in both Yuba and Nevada counties in an effort to restore roughly 35 miles of containment lines that were constructed by firefighters.

July 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM  Crews continue their mop up operations to create a 200′ heat free buffer around the fire perimeter.

With containment increasing, crews are working on fire suppression repair. This work focuses on repairing the impacts of firefighting operations – such as smoothing out dozer lines and installing drainage features for erosion control, grading damaged roads, and masticating concentrations of removed brush. These efforts help prevent future damage to water quality and reduce the lasting impacts of firefighting activities on the landscape.

July 25, 2026 at 9:58 AM Today’s efforts are focused on strengthening containment lines around the fire. Crews will continue improving existing control lines while identifying and extinguishing interior pockets of heat. A top priority remains along the river, where heat persists closest to unburned vegetation. Resources will prioritize this section today to ensure the fire remains secure.

Fire suppression repair operations will also continue, with suppression personnel working to restore the affected area as closely as possible to its natural condition while minimizing impacts from firefighting activities.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place in Yuba County.

July 25, 2026 at 7:46 AM Containment is now at 40%. There is a continued threat to structures, powerlines and private timberland.

July 24, 2026 at 5:58 PM The fire is now 30% contained.

Firefighters continue to work diligently extinguishing hotspots, which have been identified by Infrared flights, inside the perimeter of the fire. They are also continuing to reinforce containment lines.

Resources began the work of fire suppression repair today, mitigating damages done to the area while suppressing the fire.

Evacuation Warnings in Nevada County have all been lifted. The Evacuation Zone in Yuba (YUB-E098) has been split into Zones A (North Zone) and B (South Zone). YUB-E098A has moved to an Evacuation Warning while YUB-E098B remains in a Mandatory Evacuation Order.

July 24, 2026 at 3:24 PM Firefighters continue to suppress hotspots on the Chute Fire while contending with steep slopes and treacherous hillsides. This makes efforts to apply water to these hotpots, and building containment lines, extremely difficult and slower than in less complicated terrain.

The two side by side maps show the 24 hour progress from Friday (July 24, 2026) versus Thursday (July 23, 2026) of the change in hotspots located through infrared imaging conducted by the #CALFIREExternal Link #UASExternal Link program. Each red dot shows identified areas of heat.

Due to the terrain, it is more critical to ensure hotspots are suppressed and create well constructed containment lines that can withstand the potential for hot materials to roll down these hills (also known as rollout to fire personnel) and ignite unburnt fuel outside of the control lines.

These hospots are also why smoke is likely to continue to impact communities near the fire for several more days.

July 24, 2026 at 2:30 PM

Nevada County: As of 1 p.m., the Evacuation Warnings for Zones NCO-E-327 and NCO-E329 (also known as 329 A&B) have been lifted. Please remain vigilant of emergency personnel in the area.

Per the Yuba County Office of Emergency Services and the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office: 

Evacuation advisories for the Chute Fire have been LIFTED, and the (unpopulated) Evacuation Order zone has been made much smaller, due to the tireless efforts of fire personnel over the last few days. Crews have been traversing the very steep, very rugged canyon side while carrying heavy gear to increase containment. The outlook on containment is looking good, though we’re keeping an eye on the elevated fire weather conditions this weekend with breezy gusts, low humidity, and high temps. Let’s please be sure to practice fire-safe behavior (save the mowing for early morning)! A big thank you to the fire personnel who have worked hard on all the fires in our region this week.

July 24, 2026 at 6:43 AM Firing operations last night were successful. Containment is up to 20%.

July 23, 2026 at 6:56 PM CAL FIRE update:

Firefighters continue with firing operations in an area of the fire that is extremely difficult to access by crews. This, along with the smoldering vegetation, is creating the potential for increased smoke in the area.  A smoke advisory has been posted for Nevada County.

Firefighters worked throughout the day reinforcing containment and contingency lines around the perimeter of the fire. Due to updated mapping, the acreage of the fire increased roughly 13 acres from 125 to 138.

A high priority for this incident continues to be firefighter safety due to the steep and rugged terrain.

July 23, 2026 at 4:08 PM Increased activity on the fire, one possible spot fire on the backside of the dozerline.

July 23, 2026 at 10:54 AM Smoke from the fire is drifting into the lower elevations Like Penn Valley and Bitney Springs area.

July 23, 2026 at 7:58 AM CAL FIRE update: The Chute Fire increased in acreage overnight due to a planned strategic firing operation conducted by firefighters overnight to strengthen containment efforts. Under carefully selected weather conditions, crews burned approximately 41 acres of vegetation between the fire’s edge and the river. By removing available fuel ahead of the wildfire, firefighters created a buffer that will cause the main fire to reach an area that has already burned, reducing its ability to spread. The river serves as a natural barrier, creating a stronger and more defensible containment line. Firefighters will continue to finalize the firing operation this morning. Residents may notice increased smoke this morning as a result of this planned firefighting operation.

Today’s priority is to improve the containment and contingency lines around the fire. We will continue to use multiple fixed and rotor wing aircraft to assist in suppression operations throughout the day. A high priority for this incident continues to be firefighter safety due to the steep and rugged terrain. Information officers will be out in the public again today answering questions and ensuring current information is shared.

July 23, 2026 at 6:44 AM There is a threat to structures, powerlines and private timberland. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. The fire is in a remote location with difficult access. Sacramento Region IMT 3 (Schwab) is in command.

July 22, 2026 at 11:30 AM Winds are picking up in our area. Current southwest winds on the fire have 10 mph gusts, with stronger winds expected this afternoon.

July 22, 2026 at 6:34 PM There is a threat to structures and powerlines. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. The fire is in a remote location with difficult access. Sacramento Region IMT 3 (Schwab) is in command.

July 22, 2026 at 11:43 AM Three helicopters are working the fire right now, they are supporting crews on the ground operating in the evry steep terrain.

July 22, 2026 at 11:06 AM NCSO has split zone NCO-E329 into two zones.

July 22, 2026 at 9:14 AM Firefighters continue aggressive suppression efforts on the Chute Fire. Today will focus heavily on containment line construction, with crews building hand line in the steep, rugged terrain.

Cooler temperatures and favorable weather conditions are expected to support strong progress before a warming trend later this week brings the potential for increased fire behavior.

The Sacramento Regional Incident Management Team assumed command of the incident this morning. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in place.

July 22, 2026 at 6:45 AM Minimal fire activity overnight.

July 21, 2026 at 7:31 PM CAL FIRE update: Firefighters will continue an aggressive attack on the Chute Fire using both ground and night air resources through the night, working to limit fire spread while prioritizing the safety of the public and responding personnel. The fire remains in a remote location with difficult access. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in place.

July 21, 2026 at 6:16 PM CAL FIRE video of the Chute Fire.

July 21, 2026 at 4:19 PM Tankers have been released from the fire, they’ve run out of targets.

July 21, 2026 at 4:05 PM Chute Air Attack reports that the fire is holding within the retardant lines at this time. Multiple night-flight capable helicopters are being ordered for tonight’s operations.

July 21, 2026 at 1:32 PM FIRIS mapping puts the fire at 83.51 acres.

July 21, 2026 at 1:25 PM Ground crews are making good progress constructing line down on the left flank and are now working to tie in the dry creek bed.

July 21, 2026 at 12:50 PM Ridgeline painted.

July 21, 2026 at 12:35 PM The retardant line from the top of the ridgeline will be reinforced by Tanker 181. Helicopters are continuously working the spot fires. Ground resources are working off the dozer lines in this very steep terrain.

July 21, 2026 at 10:58 AM This photo, taken by Air Attack 230, gives you an idea of the steepness of the canyon.

July 21, 2026 at 9:40 AM Chute Air Attack reports another spot near dozer lines.

July 21, 2026 at 9:24 AM Both tankers 89 and 70 are off Grass Valley to the Chute fire.

July 21, 2026 at 9:03 AM Chute Air Attack is requesting two tankers.

July 21, 2026 at 8:56 AM Air Attack reports a small spot fire and a slopover. The slopover is likely caused by rollout [burning materials tumbling downhill.]

July 21, 2026 at 8:44 AM Chute Air Attack is requesting Type 1 helicopters to the fire.

July 21, 2026 at 8:35 AM Air Attack 230 has lifted to the Chute Fire.

July 21, 2026 at 6:13 AM No change in evacuations orders, warnings or advisories. Crews worked through the night to establish control lines while the fire remained active and is now estimated at 60 acres.

July 20, 2026 at 9:53 PM HelCo remains over the fire with a Chinook also overhead. Ground resources, including dozers are continuing to cut line.

July 20, 2026 at 7:35 PM One slopover over the line needs work, the left flank is looking good as is the bottom of the fire according to night ops helicopter. With the sun setting fire activity is diminishing. Temperature near the incident is 85F, down from 97F around 2:15 pm, relative humidity has climbed from 18% to 30%.

July 20, 2026 at 7:06 PM Updated evac warnings:

YUB-E100, YUB-E095, DOB-E101, DOB-E011, YUB-E054 and YUB-E097 in Yuba County are under an evacuation advisory.

July 20, 2026 at 5:24 PM Third minor injury reported on the fire.

July 20, 2026 at 5:22 PM Air Attack 210 is taking the relay over the Chute Fire. Activity has somewhat moderated, still a lot of heat in this fire.

July 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM Firefighters are working a spot fire with the help of numerous helicopters and the two local tankers.

July 20, 2026 at 4:13 PM

An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued for evacuation zones NCO-E327 and NCO-E329 due to Chute Fire burning in Yuba County west of the Sebastopol area. Prepare for evacuation or leave if extra time is required. Follow the directives of Law Enforcement in the area.

July 20, 2026 at 3:53 PM VLAT was diverted to a fire in LNU.

July 20, 2026 at 3:46 PM Intel 12 is over the fire, mapping it now. Heavy 914 is arriving over the fire.

July 20, 2026 at 3:25 PM Winds are now aligning with the topography, fire is starting to spot.

July 20, 2026 at 2:45 PM Fire activity is still relatively moderate, considering the ambient temperature and RH values. No change in evacuation orders or advisories.

July 20, 2026 at 12:23 PM Fire activity is moderating on the fire, the numerous retardant and water drops, combined with ground crews are showing progress.

July 20, 2026 at 11:50 AM Two more evacuation advisories have been put in place for Zones DOB-E101 and YUB-E100.

July 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM The fire is holding at 20 acres, fire activity is picking up. Crews are making access to the fire.

July 20, 2026 at 10:36 AM C-130 over the fire will reinforce the retardant lines.

July 20, 2026 at 10:27 AM Advisories for zones YUB-E095 and DOB-E011 have also been issued.

July 20, 2026 at 10:07 AM Mandatory evacuations for Yuba County Zone YUB-E098. Steep canyon terrain leading to Base of Bullards.

NORTH OF

Marysville Road, Troost Trail, Fair Haven Drive

SOUTH OF

Marysville Road

EAST OF

Marysville Road

WEST OF

School Street

July 20, 2026 at 8:30 AM Tankers 89 and 70 have lifted from Grass Valley to the Chute fire.

July 20, 2026 at 8:27 AM Retardant drops on the west side will slow the progression of the fire which has reached all the way down to the river.

July 20, 2026 at 8:22 AM Air Attack reports about 15 acres, the fire is burning at a slow to moderate rate of spread. Two tankers and two helicopters to respond to the fire.

July 20, 2026 at 8:16 AM Air Attack 230 is arriving over the Chute fire.

July 20, 2026 at 6:34 AM Numerous resources are at the flareup of the fire. Watch for equipment on Marysville Road near Bullards.

July 20, 2026 at 5:57 AM Firefighters are at scene of a flare-up of the Chute Fire on Marysville Road. Approximately 7 acres of active fire now.

July 14, 2026 at 12:46 PM No smoke production visible on the Chute Fire.

July 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM Shift change, overnight crews are coming off the line. First helicopter is over the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 6:01 PM The K-Max is returning to the fire. Air Attack 230 is returning to Grass Valley Air Attack Base.

July 13, 2026 at 5:53 PM Very little activity on the fire, helicopters and ground crews continue to work the incident. HelCo will take over the night operations.

July 13, 2026 at 3:56 PM There is a plan involving a night shift for the crews. The terrain is treacherous, several injuries have been reported.

July 13, 2026 at 3:10 PM Air Attack 230 is releasing the Chinook helicopter back to Truckee.

July 13, 2026 at 2:40 PM Air Attack 230 is over the Chute incident again, conditions are looking really good right now according to their report.

July 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM Water drops continue, taking any residual heat out of the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 1:39 PM Air Attack is placing the two tankers on a load and hold at their respective bases.

July 13, 2026 at 1:36 PM Additional crews are hiking in, they’ll tackle the left flank.

July 13, 2026 at 1:18 PM The right flank of the fire is looking good, crews continue work on the heel of the fire and dozers are pushing down from a dirt road.

July 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM Visible progress as the smoke is diminishing, between the retardant lines and the crews’ work, the potential for growth is diminishing. Meanwhile, the Chinook is refueling at the Nevada County Airport.

July 13, 2026 at 12:47 PM Hand crews have made access to the fire and are making progress at the head of the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 12:41 PM Chinook 1AJ is headed to Nevada County Airport for a refuel, this is a first.

July 13, 2026 at 11:59 AM Relief Air Attack from Ukiah has arrived. AA 230 is transitioning with them and will return to Grass Valley for refueling. The fire behavior has greatly moderated, no additional growth at this time.

July 13, 2026 at 11:48 AM The airshow continues on the fire. Helicopters are continuing drops on the fire within the retardant lines. Four helicopters and three tankers are assigned to the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 11:42 AM A small spot outside the retardant lines is being picked up by the helicopters.

July 13, 2026 at 11:23 AM Chute IC is requesting four additional dozers to the staging area and four overhead personnel.

July 13, 2026 at 11:20 AM CAL FIRE NEU is in unified command with Yuba County Sheriff’s office.

July 13, 2026 at 11:18 AM The fire is estimated at 5 acres now. Ground crews are making access now.

July 13, 2026 at 10:55 AM Air Attack reports fire behavior has moderated and a slight inversion is helping to keep progression down. There is retardant across the shoulders of the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 10:46 AM Tankers are continuing to reinforce the initial retardant lines, helicopters are dipping out of the Ridge Rock quarry pond. Ground resources are still making access, there are no roads or trails in the area. The fire is starting to bump the retardant lines.

July 13, 2026 at 10:25 AM The fire is approximately one acre, burning in brush and timber at a slow rate of spread. There is no threat to any structures, none in the area. Tanker 160 is arriving over the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 10:16 AM Tanker has dropped on the ridgeline to slow spread towards the uphill side, then start on the retardant box to give ground resources time to hike in through very inaccessible terrain.

July 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM Tanker 89 has lifted from Grass Valley Air Attack Base to the Chute incident.

July 13, 2026 at 10:07 AM Air Attack is requesting a tanker to respond, Chute IC is requesting a full wildland response, with five additional engines, two dozers, four crews. Staging will be at the Bullards Bar Skippers Cove.

July 13, 2026 at 10:03 AM Chute Air Attack is requesting an additional Firehawk to respond.

July 13, 2026 at 9:59 AM Air Attack 230 is over the Chute incident, Air Attack 17 is handing over the fire to them and returning to refuel, then onto the Elephant fire.

July 13, 2026 at 9:45 AM Air Attack is requesting tankers to the Chute incident, the plan is to paint the ridgeline to keep the fire from going uphill. The fire is 1/4 acre for now but has continuous fuel to the ridgeline.

July 13, 2026 at 9:37 AM Chute Air Attack is requesting Helicopter 5BT to respond to the fire.

July 13, 2026 at 9:33 AM Chute IC is requesting two crews.

July 13, 2026 at 9:24 AM Possible vegetation fire on the Middle Yuba on the Yuba County side, Air Attack 17 is overhead. Small spot only, given the steepness of the terrain a water or retardant drop is not advised. Ground resources will have to make their way down from Marysville Road down to a sheer cliff. This is the Chute incident, a 50 by 50 spot for now.