Lobo, Bitney Springs

Lobo, Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, Cal Fire. Four miles west of Grass Valley, CA. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior.

October 18, 2017 at 6:15 PM

As of 6:00 pm, all fires in the Wind Complex are 100% contained.

October 18, 2017 at 9:15 AM

Damage assessment is complete on all fires of the Wind Complex. Final evaluation has resulted in reassessment of all results.

2 residences damaged.
23 residences and 24 minor structures destroyed.

October 17, 2017 at 7:01 PM

Crews improved containment line on the Lobo Fire and strengthened containment lines on Cascade and LaPorte. Patrolling the burn area and suppression repair continues. Demobilization of excess resources continues.

October 17, 2017 at 6:30 AM

Minimal activity. Firefighters patrolling the burn area, mop up and suppression repairs continue. Residents should watch for fire and utility equipment throughout the burn area.

October 16, 2017 at 11:12 AM

Nevada County will be opening a Local Assistance Center (LAC) for residents who suffered property damage from the Lobo and McCourtney Fires tomorrow, October 17th, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1020 McCourtney Road Suite C in Grass Valley. If transportation is needed, the County can provide pick-up and drop-off for the event. Transportation can be scheduled by calling (530) 265-1218. More information here.

All Penn Valley and Rough and Ready CalFresh households have automatically received replacement CalFresh benefits on their EBT cards for the month of October. Due to the recent fires and to assist those not able to store/prepare food, hot and prepared foods can be purchased with CalFresh EBT cards now through November 15th, 2017.

If you lost food because of power outages during the October  Wildfires, please work with the Nevada County Department of Social Services before November 8th, 2017 to receive replacement CalFresh benefits.

October 16, 2017 at 7:38 AM

The Lobo Fire remains at 97% containment. Focus will be on suppression repair.

October 16, 2017 at 7:05 AM

Transfer of command from Cal Fire IMT 1 (Patterson) back to the local unit will occur today. Four miles west of Grass Valley, CA. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior.

October 15, 2017 at 6:02 PM

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 will transition the fires within the Wind Complex to the local Units tomorrow and this will be the final update from the Incident Management Team.

October 15, 2017 at 8:42 AM

Planned actions today:

Mop up 300′ in from control lines and patrol
Backhaul all trash to Drop Points
Pull hose as needed

Fire behavior: Smoldering fuels are likely to be seen in the area over the next week. Although no active fire is expected inside the fire perimeter, fuels are still extremely dry with the low humidity making them receptive to ember casts.

Weather forecast: Warm and very dry conditions are expected over the next couple of days as an upper level high pressure ridge centers over the west coast. Winds should remain mainly terrain driven although this morning may see slightly breezier than normal conditions. Overall, winds should be northeasterly in the nighttime and morning hours and westerly in the afternoon. Humidity values both day and night will be quite low. RH values in some areas today and Monday could get down to single digits in the afternoons. The warm airmass under the high pressure ridge will also bring slightly warmer than normal temperatures for this time of year. Slightly cooler temperatures and more moderate humidity are expected going into mid week as the upper ridge begins to break down.

October 15, 2017 at 7:32 AM

Due to utility repair, continued mop up and suppression repair there are evacuation warnings still in place.

Please use caution when driving in these areas.

Firefighters and other resources are beginning to be sent to other major fires within California due to the progress made on the Wind Complex.

October 14, 2017 at 6:14 PM

A Red Flag warning in effect for late tonight through Sunday morning. Firefighters will continue to monitor conditions. Damage Inspection Teams have finished their assessments.

Anyone needing information for recovery please contact your county OES office.

Butte County (530) 538-7373
Yuba County (530) 749-7520
Nevada County (530) 265-1515

Due to utility repair, continued mop up and suppression repair there are evacuation warnings still in place. Please use caution when driving in these areas.

October 14, 2017 at 7:31 AM

Use caution when in the fire area as utility companies continue their repairs to infrastructure that was damaged due to the fire. All roads are open.

October 13, 2017 at 6:29 PM

As of 5:00 PM, Friday October 13, 2017, NID will extend canal operations in the fire effected areas. This includes the Tarr and Tunnel canal systems as a resource for fire suppression efforts in Nevada County. Normally canals would revert to winter operations on October 14 annually. The canals will remain open at the current levels as necessary.

October 13, 2017 at 6:14 PM

Red Flag warning late tonight through Sunday morning for gusty winds and low relative humidity. Firefighters will continue to monitor conditions. Damage Inspection Teams are continuing their assessments.

All Evacuation Orders have been reduced to Warnings and all roads are now open.

Use caution when in the fire area as utility companies continue their repairs to infrastructure that was damaged due to the fire.

October 13, 2017 at 6:07 AM

Firefighters have improved and extended the existing lines. Backhauling of excess equipment has begun.

October 12, 2017 at 6:24 PM

Firefighters continued to strengthen containment lines throughout the day. Evacuation Orders and Warnings were reduced due to the progress. Damage Inspection Teams are continuing their assessments. Changes in damaged and destroyed structures along with the type of structures involved will be reflected in incident updates as the inspection teams confirm their findings.

October 12, 2017 at 3:03 PM

Now that the Evacuation for the greater Rough & Ready area is downgraded to Evacuation Advisory, the shelter at Twin Cities Church and the Animal Shelter at the Nevada County Fairgrounds are in the process of closing. Tonight’s Community Meeting will take place at 6:30PM at the Eric Rood Administrative Center, 950 Maidu Ave in Nevada City, and is open to the public. NCTV will broadcast the meeting on Channel 17 (Comcast and Suddenlink only) and KVMR will broadcast the meeting live on 89.5FM and online at kvmr.org

October 12, 2017 at 12:04 PM

All areas that were under an Evacuation Order have been downgraded to an evacuation warning including all areas south of Bitney Springs Road from Beitler Road to Empress Road, all areas west of Bitney Springs Road from Empress Road to Rough and Ready Hwy, all areas north of Rough and Ready Hwy from North Ponderosa Way to Rough and Ready Road, all areas east of Beitler Road from Bitney Springs Road to Hwy 20 including the Empty Diggins Lane Area. All road closures have been lifted.

Please note the greater Rough and Ready area remains under an Evacuation Warning while fire equipment and personnel continue working in the area.

The previous Evacuation Warnings for the Lobo Fire area have been lifted.

October 12, 2017 at 8:10 AM

The morning briefing has concluded. All in all, good news for the Wind Complex. Repopulation of some areas will continue today. 1,161 firefighters are assigned to the complex.

Residents should continue to be prepared in case quick evacuations from wildfires are necessary. Fire weather concerns persist today and again this weekend with gusty north winds and dry conditions.  On the horizon, we are watching forecast models that show a wet cold front moving into NorCal late next week. Details to follow when confidence is stronger.

October 12, 2017 at 6:31 AM

CalFIRE has confirmed twenty-two homes were destroyed by the Lobo and McCourtney fires in Nevada County this week, as well as numerous outbuildings.

As the fire fighters are gaining ground on stopping further destruction, the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is preparing to assist those who lost their homes. Residents who know their home was destroyed, or who want to find out if their home was damaged by the fires, are encouraged to call the County at (530)265-1218 after Thursday morning at 9:00am to start the recovery process. More details here: https://yubanet.com/regional/recovery-information-line-for-fire-damaged-properties-in-nevada-county/

October 12, 2017 at 6:19 AM

Reduction in acreage due to better mapping.

October 12, 2017 at 5:42 AM

Gusty north winds and low humidity expected today. A wind event will occur today with breezy northerly winds and poor humidity recovery combining to bring near Red Flag conditions. The strongest winds are expected this morning with decreasing winds expected through the day. Lighter winds are expected on Friday with slightly higher RH. Another disturbance will bring anther round of breezy northeast winds on Saturday. Neither of these periods of breezy winds is expected to be as strong as that experienced last Sunday or Monday. Lighter winds and warm dry conditions are expected early next week.

October 11, 2017 at 8:25 PM

A message from Superintendent Torie F. England: All Penn Valley Schools will be closed for the remainder of the week due to the continued circumstances of the Lobo fire. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we always put student and staff safety first.

October 11, 2017 at 7:14 PM

Firefighters continued to maintain containment lines today. Steep terrain and heavy brush continue to pose a challenge. Predicted red flag warnings will continue to change in wind direction over the fire area.

Inspection Teams have arrived at the incident and have initiated their assessments. Changes in damaged and destroyed structures along with the type of structures involved will be reflected in incident updates as the inspection teams confirm their findings.

Current assessment: 217 structures destroyed in the whole complex (Cascade,Lobo, LaPorte and McCourtney) 111 residences & 104 outbuildings & 2 commercial Structures Damaged: 10 (5 residences & 5 outbuildings)

October 11, 2017 at 6:26 PM

There will be a community meeting for Nevada County residents affected by the McCourtney and Lobo Fires. The event will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 6:30 PM in the Supervisor’s Chamber at the Rood Center. The address is 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, California 95959.

October 11, 2017 at 6:04 PM

Reports from residents of possible spot fire on the Lobo Fire in the Pierite Road/Mystic Mine Rd area. Helicopter en route to assist ground resources. Spot caught.

October 11, 2017 at 1:37 PM

There have been numerous reports of ash falling all throughout Nevada and Placer counties, outside the fire perimeters. The prevailing winds and the topography are transporting ash from as far away as the fires in Napa and Lake counties. There has been no report yet of increased fire activity on the Wind Complex fires.

October 11, 2017 at 8:56 AM

Firefighters continued to build containment lines overnight. Steep terrain and heavy brush continue to pose a challenge.

Predicted red flag warning will bring change in wind direction over the fire area.

Damage Inspection Teams have arrived at the incident and have initiated their assessments. Changes in damaged and destroyed structures along with the type of structures involved will be reflected in incident updates as the inspection teams confirm their findings.

October 11, 2017 at 6:09 AM

Control objectives remain the same. Change in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.

October 10, 2017 at 9:04 PM

The following schools will reopen tomorrow:
Nevada Joint Union
Grass Valley High School

Road closures in effect: Rough and Ready Hwy at Rough and Ready Rd., Rough and Ready Hwy at Bonanza Way, Rough and Ready Hwy at North Ponderosa Way, Bitney Springs Rd. at Empress Rd., Bitney Springs Rd. at Beitler Rd.

October 10, 2017 at 7:06 PM

Evacuation Orders are in place for all areas south of Bitney Springs Rd. from Beitler Rd. to Empress Rd. All areas west of Bitney Springs Rd. from Empress Rd. to Rough and Ready Hwy. All areas north of Rough and Ready Hwy from North Ponderosa Way to Rough and Ready Rd. All areas east of Beitler Rd. from Bitney Springs Rd. to Hwy 20 including the Empty Diggins Ln. area. Link to Nevada County OES evacuation map.

October 10, 2017 at 5:31 PM

A message from Superintendent Torie F. England: At this time Penn Valley Union Elementary School District will be closed again tomorrow due to continued evacuations and power outages throughout the Penn Valley area. We hope to reopen school on Thursday but won’t know for sure until tomorrow mid-day. At this point we have to go one day at a time as circumstances continue to change. We appreciate everyone being so patient and understanding.

October 10, 2017 at 4:50 PM

Updated evacuation data from Nevada County OES:

Evacuation Area: 818 residences
Evacuation Advisory Area: 4,280 residences

October 10, 2017 at 4:35 PM

The Grass Valley School District is scheduled to resume classes on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, normal schedule.

This is providing no further escalations occur overnight with the fires in our area.

October 10, 2017 at 12:18 PM

The evacuation order for the Community of Lake Wildwood has been reduced to a evacuation advisory and residents are allowed to reenter. All other evacuation orders remain in place.

When entering the area, please be cautious of emergency equipment and personnel as they are operating in and around the area. Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers as well as the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning sparks and embers.

When picking up animals from a shelter, please have a photo ID. Upon returning home make sure you have food, water, and proper containment for your animals. High temperatures and fire damage can cause normal household items to become hazardous to you and your animals. Make sure your property is safe before returning home.

October 10, 2017 at 12:17 PM

Per a reader, power has been restored on Wildwood Ridge off Pleasant Valley Road. PG&E crews working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

October 10, 2017 at 11:15 AM

From Nevada County’s Transit Services: Effective October 10, 2017, Gold Country Stage Route 6 to Penn Valley is currently operating a normal schedule with the exception of the Wildwood Center stop which is currently not being serviced due to access issues during the Lobo Fire. Bus schedules are available in the Gold Country Stage Rider’s Guide, at www.goldcountrystage.com or call the office 530-477-0103 x 0 for travel planning information. Please observe all construction signs and the instructions of onsite personnel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience.

October 10, 2017 at 10:58 AM

Good news via one of our readers: Power has been restored to Penn Valley. Power in Lake Wildwood is still out.

October 10, 2017 at 8:24 AM

From Nevada County OES: Over night shelter numbers:
Twin Cites Church – 113 people
First Baptist Church – 25 people
Fairgrounds animals – lots – counting – will post later.
Still have room and food for more people if you want to come in and rest, eat, etc. Shower trailers will be coming into Twin Cities later this morning – get a hot shower!

October 10, 2017 at 7:45 AM

Be prepared for an extended power outage in the Bitney Springs/LWW area. 874 homes without power in the evacuation zone at last check. Remember, there is still active fire in the area.

October 10, 2017 at 7:34 AM

Tentative containment date for the Lobo fire is October 13, 2017. Firefighters have achieved 23% containment. Evacuations will be re-evaluated as progress continues.

October 10, 2017 at 7:05 AM

Sierra College: The Nevada County Campus in Grass Valley will remain closed today for all day and evening classes due to continued fire danger, evacuations, and road closures. The Rocklin, Roseville, and Truckee campuses remain open.

October 10, 2017 at 7:01 AM

The control objectives for the day are:

Keep the fire North of Rough and Ready Highway
Keep the fire South of Bitney Springs Road
Keep the fire East of Lake Wildwood Estates
Keep the fire West of the intersection of Bitney Springs Road and Newtown Road

October 10, 2017 at 6:48 AM

Fire behavior: The fires are burning in a mix of grass and brush with stands of timber and timber litter that are extremely dry and have a heavy fuel loading. The fire spread was initially driven by high winds and low humidity with long range spotting. Group tree torching could cast embers and produce spot fires in receptive fuel beds, especially where timber litter fuel loading or heavy grass crops are high. Wind speeds are expected to significantly decrease from the previous day which will lead to lower rates of spread and lower spotting distances.

October 10, 2017 at 6:47 AM

A dry weather system will pass just north of the fire site Tuesday into Wednesday. Relative humidity will remain low with poor overnight recovery. Winds will be shifting the next couple of days as the system approaches and moves through the region and will become west to northwest on Wednesday.

October 10, 2017 at 5:51 AM

Nevada Joint Union High School District Superintendent Louise Johnson has canceled school for today, October 10th in the district due to the fires in Nevada County.

October 9, 2017 at 6:58 PM

Per Dr. England, Superintendent of the Penn Valley School District: At this time we are closed tomorrow, October 10th due to a complete outage and mandatory evacuations of more than 75% of our community.

October 9, 2017 at 6:35 PM

It’s pumpkin time for the air tankers. Helicopters will remain on the fire a little longer and do more bucket work. Early up again tomorrow morning. Ground resources will be working through the night.

October 9, 2017 at 6:13 PM

Threat to the communities of Rough & Ready, Lake Wildwood remains. All evacuations remain in place overnight.

October 9, 2017 at 4:58 PM

Additional road closures on Bitney Springs Road at Rough&Ready Hwy and Newtown Road.

October 9, 2017 at 3:20 PM

Per Nevada County OES: 30 to 40 structures lost. 8,000 people evacuated. Evacuations are still in place. Both shelters, Twin Cities Church and First Baptist Church will remain open overnight and into tomorrow, as long as needed. Fairgrounds will remain open for animal evacuations. A Local Assistance Center will be opened later this week to assist residents who have lost their homes.

October 9, 2017 at 2:10 PM

CAL FIRE IMT-2 (Patterson) has been assigned to the complex comprised of the Lobo, McCourtney, Cascade and LaPorte fires.

October 9, 2017 at 2:06 PM

FEMA has approved a federal assistance grant for the Lobo Fire in Nevada County.

October 9, 2017 at 2:03 PM

Updated evacuation map. Link to Nevada County OES GIS map here.

October 9, 2017 at 1:59 PM

Elks Lodge in Nevada City has space available for campers and tents. Power to charge your devices too.

October 9, 2017 at 1:21 PM

Rough&Ready Hwy is closed is closed from Bitney Springs to Hwy 20. Do NOT run the closure.

October 9, 2017 at 11:43 AM

Heads up, traffic lights are out on Hwy 20 and Rough&Ready. NCSO and CHP en route after being notified of the issue. Use extreme caution in the area. Thanks to reader Forrest Hurd for the info.

October 9, 2017 at 11:41 AM

Tanker drops now along Kentucky Ridge.

October 9, 2017 at 11:35 AM

Public safety officials are asking that people stay away from the fire zone and evacuation areas

October 9, 2017 at 10:58 AM

Air Attack estimates the fire close to 900 acres. These are estimates only, none of last night’s fires have been mapped via IR flight.

October 9, 2017 at 9:34 AM

Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley is open for evacuees from the fires in western Nevada County. This is not an official center supported by Nevada County resources.

Peace is at 828 W. Main St., near Lyman Gilmore School.

The parking area has room for trailers. A large kitchen and showers are available.

Call (530) 273-9631 for more information.

October 9, 2017 at 9:23 AM

A message from NEVADA CITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

NCSA Staff,

Currently NCSA is safe – not totally in the clear yet, but looking good. Jenn and kids are safe. Much of the upper property near the water treatment plant, cell towers and behind building 9 has been burned, but Ian, Ian’s wife Nevorra, and Al, worked tirelessly to save the campus. The fire burned within 200 feet of Ian’s house.

Air support has arrived.

I will update again as soon as I have more info.

We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Ian and Al. Please keep sending strength and safe thoughts their way. NCSA would not still stand without their heroic efforts.

October 9, 2017 at 9:22 AM

Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley at 1979 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley is also open as an evacuation shelter. This is not an official center supported by Nevada County resources.

October 9, 2017 at 9:11 AM

Per CAL FIRE NEU: 7K to 8K homes threatened. Lake Wildwood community being evacuated.

October 9, 2017 at 9:02 AM

Due to the power outage in Penn Valley, gas stations in the area are closed.

October 9, 2017 at 8:38 AM

TNF Helicopter 514 en route to the Lobo Fire from White Cloud. Air Attack is unable to give an updated size estimate at this time due to the smoke over the incident.

October 9, 2017 at 8:30 AM

Air tankers are dropping retardant on ridgelines, slowing progress of the fire. Additional ground resources are arriving in the unit.

October 9, 2017 at 7:50 AM

Temporary Flight Restriction in effect over the Lobo Fire, including drones.

October 9, 2017 at 7:37 AM

Air Attack is requesting one type 2 helicopter and 2 S2 tankers to the Lobo.

October 9, 2017 at 7:34 AM

All fires in the Nevada and Yuba counties will most likely be managed as a complex by a Type 1 Incident Management Team. The Lobo Fire is the top priority for aircraft. Air Attack is over the fire, tankers and helicopters to arrive shortly.

October 9, 2017 at 7:31 AM

Air resources taking off from Grass Valley Air Attack Base to local fires.

October 9, 2017 at 7:22 AM

Twin Cities Church will open at 7:30am as an additional shelter for evacuees. Animal shelter remains at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

October 9, 2017 at 7:01 AM

Fair Oaks gate in Lake Wildwood is open for evacuations.

October 9, 2017 at 6:52 AM

Aircraft will be available as soon as there is sufficient daylight.

October 9, 2017 at 6:50 AM

School closures:
Grass Valley School District
Penn Valley School District
Clear Creek closure due to a power outage.

Large animals in Penn Valley area can be taken to Penn Valley Rodeo Grounds Spenceville Road.

October 9, 2017 at 6:19 AM

The fire is on a ridge east of Lake Wildwood, fire behavior has moderated  a little.

October 9, 2017 at 6:08 AM

People on Bitney Springs past North Ponderosa should continue on Bitney Springs towards Pleasant Valley Road.

October 9, 2017 at 5:34 AM

The fire is estimated at 400-500 acres. More evacuations are underway.

October 9, 2017 at 5:27 AM

The evacuation map has been updated. Click here to see the latest: Nevada County OES map

October 9, 2017 at 5:10 AM

The area between Rough&Ready Highway, Pleasant Valley Road and Bitney Springs Road will be the evacuation zone. This includes Lake Wildwood. Evacuation notifications will be provided as necessary.

October 9, 2017 at 4:55 AM

Evacuations are starting on Lake Forest Drive and Lake Wildwood Court in Lake Wildwood.

October 9, 2017 at 4:48 AM

NCSO now on Hillaire Road and Rocker Road then they’ll continue notifications on Miners Way.

October 9, 2017 at 4:23 AM

Additional evacuations planned for Rough&Ready towards Lake Wildwood.

October 9, 2017 at 4:17 AM

Pick and Pan Lane, Digger Hill Way, Meadow View Way are under mandatory evacuations now. NCSO en route to notify residents.

October 9, 2017 at 4:08 AM

The fire is burning in the Deer Creek drainage. Additional evacuations on Prospector and all roads off Prospector. Please heed the evacuations and leave!

October 9, 2017 at 3:58 AM

Nevada County OES has published the evacuation maps for both the McCourtney and the Lobo Fires. Click the image to go to the OES website.

October 9, 2017 at 3:50 AM

Rapid rate of spread for the fire. It has reached Bonanza Way and is headed towards Rough&Ready. Estimated at 200 acres now.

October 9, 2017 at 3:43 AM

Structure protection group is set up on the south side of Deer Creek.

October 9, 2017 at 3:39 AM

874 homes are without power in the fire area. Fire activity has picked up a lot.

October 9, 2017 at 3:28 AM

Evacuation center open at First Baptist Church 1886 Ridge Road across from NU. Animal evacuations at the Fairgrounds on McCourtney.

October 9, 2017 at 3:25 AM

Additional evacuations coming for Mystic Mine Road and Pierite Road.

October 9, 2017 at 3:21 AM

Additional resources to the fire, immediate need. The fire is experiencing rapid rate of spread. Evacuations for all of Lone Lobo Trail.

October 9, 2017 at 3:13 AM

The fire on Lone Lobo Trail is estimated at 4-5 acres with a 1-acre spot fire.

October 9, 2017 at 3:06 AM

Firefighters are still working the fire on Lone Lobo Trail off Bitney Springs. Some homes have been evacuated and firefighters are proving structure protection for the homes. Spot fires have been reported.

October 8, 2017 at 11:37 PM

Vegetation fire, Lone Lobo Trail in Nevada City off Bitney Springs Road. Penn Valley, Grass Valley, Rough&Ready Fire responding.