Minerva, Plumas National Forest

Minerva 5, Plumas NF. One mile southwest of Quincy, CA. Timber.

August 17, 2017 at 12:02 PM

The Minerva Fire is 100% contained. Fire crews will continue mop-up activities (extinguishing of hot spots) where needed, and also continue with repairs of fire suppression efforts. Quincy residents can expect lingering smoke from unburned pockets of fuel to continue to impact air quality at night, but smoke effects should gradually diminish.

Some crews are being released this morning, but a solid contingent of firefighters will remain to patrol and work the perimeter of the fire until all pockets of heat have been addressed.

Road closures are still in effect in all areas surrounding the fire. Please contact the fire information number, or the Mt. Hough Ranger District, (numbers below) for current information.

The weather will be sunny today, with a high near 90. Upslope winds with light, northwest prevailing winds are expected in the area of the fire. Thunderstorms are possible as we move into the weekend.

This is the final update.

August 17, 2017 at 6:34 AM

Fire continues to burn areas of unburned material within containment lines. One hundred and twenty eight firefighters remain. There is no expected fire spread or threat to private land. Smoke is the only impact. Weather is warming and breezy.

August 16, 2017 at 6:34 AM

Fire crews will continue mop-up activities (extinguishing of hot spots) within existing containment lines and also continue with repairs of fire suppression efforts. Quincy residents can expect lingering smoke from unburned pockets of fuel to continue to impact air quality at night.

Road closures are still in effect in all areas surrounding the fire. Road closures will be re-evaluated later this week and may be adjusted to allow access to certain portions of the area not directly impacted by fire.

August 13, 2017 at 8:41 PM

The Plumas National Forest will be flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone, over the Minerva Fire on Monday morning, August 14th. This UAV is equipped with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) technology and will be used to do reconnaissance of the fire area. The UAV can detect infrared energy (heat) and produces a thermal image so that fire managers can get an accurate assessment of heat pockets that remain within the fire perimeter. This particular drone also has the capability to get an updated, accurate map of the fire and will also produce visual images.

Residents who may see this drone should not be concerned, it is an authorized firefighting tool which will provide valuable information to the fire team. Recreational drones are prohibited in the area of the fire.  Remember, if you fly a drone, we cannot fly our firefighting aircraft.

For updates throughout the day please see the Plumas NF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas/ or check fire status at Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5434/.

August 13, 2017 at 10:08 AM

Fire continues to exhibit moderate activity in the daytime in areas of unburned material within containment lines. Due to the number of hot spots remaining to be mopped up, the Incident Commander(s) have extended the containment date until August 16.

Air resources will continue to be visible as they assist firefighters on the ground with mop-up. Firefighter also continue with suppression repair.

August 12, 2017 at 9:32 AM

Plumas NF Facebook update: You can tell the character of a community by the way it pulls together during a time of adversity. And Quincy has character!!!!

As day-shift firefighters are busy putting out hot-spots within the containment lines of the #MinervaFire, all the while contending with burning snags and material rolling down the steep slopes, residents are busy lining up their antique cars, horse groups and emergency equipment for the fair parade today at 11:00am in downtown Quincy. Now that’s called an amazing juxtaposition!

The Plumas National Forest took over the fire from the incident team at 6:00 am and will manage the fire now. Good nighttime humidity recovery is aiding in mop-up as the fire continues to cool off. Residents will continue to see flare-ups and smoke from the interior of the fire. You have time to get down for a front row seat at the parade!! See you there!

August 11, 2017 at 7:10 AM

Crews will continue to mop-up in an effort to mitigate threat to the fireline. Resources will continue to patrol spot fires and slopovers as needed.

Thunderstorm activity is expected to be minimal through the end of the week mostly in the mountain areas.

Good nighttime recovery is aiding in mop-up and fire suppression repair as the fire continues to cool off. Helicopters continue to support ground crews as needed. Demobilization of crews and equipment will continue as the fire downsizes.

August 10, 2017 at 7:27 AM

Containment of the Minerva 5 fire grows toward completion as fire crews continue mop-up operations along the fire perimeter and patrol existing firelines. The fire area remains the same size since Monday, with fire activity located within the perimeter of the fire in pockets of unburned vegetation. The fire continues to creep and smolder, with most of the remaining heat in the northeastern corner. Helicopters are being utilized to assist in mop up and cool areas of heat where necessary.

Fire crews are engaged in repair of fire suppression efforts along the cooled portions of the fire, such as construction of water bars to prevent erosion and covering dozer lines with vegetation. Meanwhile, resource specialists are beginning to develop a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) plan to identify post-fire threats to life and safety, property, and natural and cultural resources. The plan outlines a rapid assessment of these threats, immediate and long term actions, and ongoing monitoring needs. The effort includes cooperation with other federal agencies and affected local city, county, and state agencies. Once developed, the plan is implemented through a variety of restoration methods.

Today’s weather forecast remains similar to Wednesday, with chances of afternoon and evening thunderstorms and temperatures normal to slightly above normal for the area.

As work is completed, some crews and resources are being released to assist with other fires.

August 9, 2017 at 7:31 AM

Minimal threat remains to local watersheds and infrastructure. Suppression repair and mop up continue.

August 8, 2017 at 9:03 AM

Weather conditions have been favorable for firing operations, mop-up and suppression repair in the past few days. The Minerva 5 fire personnel assisted the local Forest Service with initial attack on the Poslin Fire yesterday. Crews worked through the night monitoring fire lines. The fixed wing infrared flight shows the firing operations in Divisions M and N were successful in eliminating pockets of unburned fuel within the interior of those divisions. These areas continue to hold a substantial amount of heat.

Fire objectives for today: Fire crews will continue mop-up and holding operations throughout the day, reducing the threat to adjacent infrastructure and the community of Quincy. Line improvement and repair will continue on all divisions of the fire. Air support will continue to aid crews in holding and mop-up operations.

Afternoon and evening mountain thunderstorms will continue through midweek. Thunderstorms may contain locally heavy rainfall, but some dry lightning cannot be ruled out. Temperatures will gradually increase with highs near to or above normal.

August 7, 2017 at 9:14 PM

Crews continue to monitor fire lines after completing firing operations. Fire continues to burn through unburned fuels in Divisions M and N with ground fire and single tree torching. Resources will continue to patrol spot fires and slop overs and initiate mop up operations where safe to do so. Crews will continue to monitor and mop up fireline along the northeast flank of the fire.

August 7, 2017 at 1:48 PM

Plumas County Public Health and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District are extending a joint air quality advisory to notify the public of intermittent poor air quality at least through Wednesday, August 9, caused by the Minerva Fire south of Quincy in Plumas County.

August 7, 2017 at 11:56 AM

Crews worked through the night monitoring fire lines. The fixed wing infrared flight shows the firing operations in Divisions M and N were successful in eliminating the unburned areas within the interior of those divisions. These areas continue to hold a substantial amount of heat.

Fire objectives for today: Fire crews will continue mop-up and holding operations throughout the day reducing the threat to adjacent infrastructure and the community of Quincy. Line improvement and repair will continue an all divisions of the fire. Air support will continue to aid crews in holding and mop-up operations.

Chances of afternoon and evening thunderstorms will continue through midweek. Temperatures will gradually increase with highs near to or above normal.

August 7, 2017 at 8:05 AM

The Minerva Fire remains 64% contained at 4,307 acres. Firefighters focused on the small area of burnout remaining to secure the line on the northeast side. Mopping up and continuing to strengthen lines if the order of the day. Once the morning inversion lifts, the air basin will really clear. Enjoy those blue skies and get out in your garden and deadhead the flowers from the past week!

August 6, 2017 at 8:28 PM

Active fire behavior with isolated torching. A successful burning operation was completed, reducing the threat to the town of Quincy.

Crews continue to monitor fire lines after completing firing operations this morning. Fire continues to burn through green islands in Divisions M and N with ground fire and single tree torching.

Resources will continue to patrol spot fires and slop-overs and initiate mop up operations where safe to do so. Air resources will aid crews in holding firing operation within the green islands along the north east flank of the fire. Resources will continue to fire, hold, and patrol interior islands. Resources will continue to monitor slop-over on the east side of the fire as green islands continued to be fired.

August 6, 2017 at 8:56 AM

Strategic firing operations were completed last night. Fire activity during the firing operations was ideal, with favorable weather conditions and little spotting. Crews will monitor the fire as fuels continue to burn out. The voluntary evacuation implemented for the community of Quincy is rescinded as of 8:00 am today, and the evacuation center will also close at that time.

Fire objectives for today: Fire crews will continue mop-up operations throughout the day and evening shifts. Steep and rugged terrain, along with extremely difficult access will challenge crews during mop-up operations. Suppression repair will be implemented along the eastern divisions of the fire.

Thunderstorm activity is expected to continue throughout the weekend and into early next week as monsoonal moisture continues to move into the area.

August 6, 2017 at 8:53 AM

Plumas County Sheriff: The threat to the community of Quincy has been mitigated thanks to the hard work of the fire fighters.

The Sheriff would like to personally thank the Red Cross local volunteers and those who responded from the Yuba City Red Cross to help!

The voluntary evacuation order from nugget lane west to the Plumas District Hospital and south of Jackson Street in Quincy has been lifted and the evacuation center at the Mormon Church will be closed as of 8 am this morning.

August 5, 2017 at 7:48 PM

Fire activity during today’s firing operations were ideal. Weather conditions were favorable and good progress was made in an attempt to complete firing operations. If firing is not complete y end of shift today, it will be completed Saturday night, provided conditions remain favorable. The voluntary evacuation instituted last night for the community of Quincy is still in effect and will subside as containment is achieved. Thunderstorm activity is expected to continue throughout the weekend and early as monsoonal moisture continues to move into the area.

August 5, 2017 at 7:28 PM

Plumas NF Facebook update: Fire folks report things are going very well, the recent flames seen along the ridge by East Quincians, notwithstanding. The two columns of fire are going to meet in the middle as planned. And you’ll see it as night falls. See attached picture of our beloved Methodist Church on Church Street. Still ready to rock you through the ages. Rest well tonight all.

August 5, 2017 at 11:53 AM

Plumas NF Facebook update: It’s currently raining in downtown Quincy and helicopters are busy assisting ground troops. Today, firefighters are holding, securing and mopping up Division A while continuing to mop-up in Div. D.

In Division M, line is being prepped for burn-out operations. Burn-out operations will be continuing in Divisions N & O plus beginning mop-up where its safe to do so. Burn-out operations will also continue in Div Z where needed to achieve more depth in the line.

Visibility is currently limiting use of fixed wing air tankers (you need to see the target in order to hit it). A retardant station for the helicopters has been set up at the airport; helis are working hard to avoid homes with their drops.

August 5, 2017 at 9:40 AM

The peace of daybreak belied the focused activity of late last night/early this morning as firefighters tackled close to a dozen spot fires in and around Boyle Ravine. The largest spot (10 acres) most visible from downtown Quincy, has a line around it and a hoselay (water) while the remaining spots have been put to bed. The day-shift anticipates picking up a few more small spots this morning. The main fire remains within containment lines.

Light rain is expected later this morning; cloud cover has moderated fire activity.

August 5, 2017 at 9:02 AM

The Sheriffs Department in conjunction with the US Forest Service has issued a voluntary evacuation notice for the residents of west Quincy. The area affected is from Nugget Lane west to the Plumas District Hospital and south of Jackson. There has been a voluntary evacuation center set up at the Mormon Church on Bellamy Lane in Quincy.

Incident Base Camp was relocated from the Plumas County fairgrounds to Mill Creek on Friday. Fire activity during firing operations increased as the inversions lifted during morning hours, resulting in ideal conditions until afternoon heat and diurnal winds made air support a necessity to continue operations. Some spotting occurred from the firing operations and are being assessed, the largest being 10 acres. Spot fires in Division M were within a half mile of the community of Quincy. A voluntary evacuation was instituted Friday night for a portion of the community of Quincy as a result of these spots. Thunderstorm activity is expected to continue throughout the weekend as monsoonal moisture continues to move into the area.

August 4, 2017 at 7:59 PM

Fire activity during burnout operations increased this morning as the inversion lifted creating ideal burning conditions. Without air, woody fuels don’t burn well and combustion is what we are looking for. Aircraft supported firefighters efforts in the afternoon as the day’s temperature increased and winds picked up. Light rain is likely in the very early hours of the morning as our new cooler weather system moves in to the area. Expect thunderstorms throughout the weekend. Fire acres, now 2,625, will continue to increase as burnout operations add to the total. The fire remains 43% contained. Residents, especially in east Quincy, will see the same scenarios on the hillside as last night and smoke will continue to be thick. Take heart and know firefighters are challenging themselves to get our community squared away.

August 4, 2017 at 8:44 AM

Fire activity increased last night due to lack of nightly inversion. The fire spread to the primary indirect line in Division N along Claremont Ridge. Incident base camp will relocate from the Plumas County fairgrounds to Mill Creek Rd today to accommodate the upcoming county fair.

Thunderstorm activity is expected to continue throughout the weekend as monsoonal moisture continues to move into the area. For the last couple of days heavy inversions have grounded air resources until diurnal winds break the inversion late in the morning.

Fire activity increases as this inversion lifts, resulting in the added need of crews and air support. Air resources and crews are a critical need due to steep rugged within the perimeter of the fire to decrease the threat to community of Quincy.

August 3, 2017 at 7:18 PM

Moderate fire behavior reported. Successful burnout operation contributed to increase in acreage. Dozer contingency lines almost tied in.

August 3, 2017 at 8:32 AM

Plumas NF Facebook update: Folks in East Quincy and along Chandler Road got a bit of a show last night when they saw the fire make a short run. When the thunder cell moved over the fire, winds from the cell pushed the fire a short way down the Mill Creek drainage. Fortunately, it then ran uphill back into itself and the show was short-lived. This isolated storm cloud did grace us with a wee bit of rain on the east side of the fire.

August 3, 2017 at 8:13 AM

Short update: Fire activity was mostly in Divisions O and Z, with backing, short slope driven runs and isolated torching. For the last couple of days heavy inversions have grounded air resources until late morning. Fire activities increase as these inversions lift, resulting in the added need of air support. Four heavy lift helicopters, one medium and two scooper fixed wing are working to confine the fire from spreading to the south in division Z and threatening critical communications equipment on Claremont Peak. No updated IR map today, unable to fly the fire last night.

August 2, 2017 at 9:21 PM

Plumas NF Facebook update: The inversion took a long time to lift today, again acting as a lid on a pot, trapping smoke and moderating fire behavior. As a result, acreage changed little and is now 1,825 with containment at 33%. While some very limited firing-out occurred today, the remainder is several days out. Firefighters are also working a small spot fire that developed ahead of the main fire in section 36. Portola and Graeagle are getting a lot of smoke spread their way due to winds. We are getting lightning on the Beckwourth and Mt Hough Ranger Districts so tomorrow we’re likely to see some more small fires. Again, the word from the Sheriff is no evacuations currently.

August 2, 2017 at 9:10 PM

Minerva 5 Fire continues to grow in the southeastern portion of the fire. Fire is still a threat to Claremont Peak and critical infrastructure. Indirect line continues on Claremont Ridge above Middle Branch Mill Creek.

Visual fire activity was obscured by heavy smoke today, grounding air resources until the afternoon. Fire growth continued throughout the morning as the inversion was lifting. Air operations resumed mid-afternoon resulting in the spot fire on the east side of the Middle Branch of Mill Creek to increase in fire activity. Four heavy lift helicopters, one medium helicopter and two scooper fixed wing aircraft have been working to keep the spot confined to the bottom of the Mill Creek drainage and help keep the fire from spreading to the south. Helicopters continue to be an important asset in the effort to keep the fire from spreading to the south and threatening communications equipment on Claremont Peak. Air resources and crews are a critical need due to steep rugged terrain within the perimeter of the fire. Thunderstorm activity is expected to increase as monsoonal moisture moves into the area.

August 2, 2017 at 10:35 AM

Last night, firefighters continued mopping up hotspots on the western portion of the fire. Fire crews continued constructing bulldozer lines, while hand crews constructed hand lines in the south and east portions of the fire. Crews also put in a hose lay along the bulldozer lines on the south flank. Infrared mapping of the fire shows little to moderate heat on the north side, with most of the heat concentrated on the east.

Fire objectives remain the same for today: Keep the fire south and east of Forest Road 24N20, west of Forest Road 24N73, and north of Forest Road 24N26. Containment efforts to minimize impacts to the municipal water supply for Quincy remain a high priority.

Fire crews will continue their efforts today to strengthen and hold existing firelines on the west, while additional crews and bulldozers work to contain the fire on the south, north and east. Structure protection engines will be staged throughout Quincy to assist if needed. Residents will continue to see a variety of aircraft shuttling retardant and water to the front lines.

Weather conditions for today are predicated to be similar to yesterday, with high temperatures in the 90s and humidity in the 20% range.

August 2, 2017 at 8:22 AM

Short update: Fire continued to be active throughout the report period. Fires continues to grow in Division Z. Fire is still a threat to Claremont Peak. Fire activity was constant throughout the night with moderate fire growth in Divisions Z, O, and N. Moderate fire behavior with backing and active group torching. Threats to communities of Quincy and Meadow Valley, water sheds, local infrastructure, communication sites, powerlines, major travel ways, Feather River College. Evacuations are not expected

August 1, 2017 at 8:33 PM

Resources will construct direct and indirect hand line and holding efforts throughout the night.

August 1, 2017 at 7:15 PM

Moderate fire behavior with backing and active group torching. Threats to communities of Quincy and Meadow Valley, water sheds, local infrastructure, communication sites, powerlines, major travel ways, Feather River College. Evacuations are not expected.

August 1, 2017 at 1:42 PM

New objectives for the fire are to keep the fire south and east of Forest Road 24N20, west of Forest Road 24N73, and north of Forest Road 24N26. Today is predicted to be the hottest day of the week, with high temperatures in the upper 90s and relative humidity in the 12-18% range. As seen earlier in the week, fire behavior will be more active in the afternoon as temperatures increase, and smoke will be more prevalent. An air quality advisory has been issued from the Plumas County Public Health Agency.

Structure protection engines will continue to be staged throughout town, particularly focused in East Quincy today. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will continue to assist throughout the day as they are available.

Changes in the number of personnel are due to a more accurate count of arriving crews.

August 1, 2017 at 8:34 AM

The Minerva Fire remains at 1350 acres and 20% contained this am. The daily inversion is again holding copius amounts of smoke close to the ground but that will change after 10:00 this morning when the inversion begins to lift. Infrared flight data yields a far more accurate perimeter of the fire, capturing the push the fire made into the middle fork of the Mill Creek drainage. In addition to fighting the fire directly where it is safe to do so, firefighters have been working on contingency lines (working indirectly or away from the fire), that can come into play if working directly is not effective. A plan B if you will. East Quincy residents heard the noise of those bulldozers last night. Sound really carries. East Quincy and Thompson Valley residents will see more smoke definition near them.

July 31, 2017 at 8:38 PM

Per Plumas County Sheriff (one hour ago) We have received a report of a drone flying in the Quincy area that is interfering with the helicopters. This a crime you are interfering with fire fighting efforts and could be putting homes and lives in danger. Please do NOT fly your drones in the area.

July 31, 2017 at 8:09 PM

Air resources and crews are a critical need due to steep and rugged terrain within the fire perimeter. This afternoon the fire activity picked up to a point where the super scoopers assigned to the fire were grounded. That issue, combined with the diversion of the VLAT and the grounding of all three MAFF’s due to mechanical issues has increased the threat to the community of Quincy and critical communications equipment on Claremont Peak.

July 31, 2017 at 7:34 PM

Moderate fire behavior with backing and isolated torching. Increased activity in the afternoon, inversion lifted around 10 am. The woody fuels in the fire area include dense Sierra mixed conifer, hardwoods and brush including ponderosa pine, douglas fir, incense cedar, white & red fir, black oak, whiteleaf manzanita, chinquapin and tobacco brush (ceanothus). The fire is burning on both sides of Claremont Ridge at elevation ranges of 4,500′-6,000′ and generally west & northeast aspects.

July 31, 2017 at 3:50 PM

Plumas County Public Health and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District are issuing a joint air quality advisory to notify the public of potentially poor air quality conditions at least through Wednesday, August 2, caused by the Minerva Fire south of Quincy in Plumas County

July 31, 2017 at 11:54 AM

3 acft from 3 states WY, CO, NV #MAFFS acft launching to #MinervaFire north of Reno near Quincy pic.twitter.com/DY4AW1j63F

— MAFFS (@AEGMAFFS) July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017 at 10:30 AM

While the smoke was less pronounced than last night in the Quincy area, it certainly made its way around many parts of the county by this morning. Firefighters worked through the night, making good use of moderated fire behavior, to construct direct fireline with bulldozers and crews where it was safe to do so.

Efforts focused on lines to the north and east sides of the fire, working above Boyle’s Ravine and in the west branch of the Mills Creek drainage. While there is still a lot of open line, firefighters were pleased with the progress.

Crews woke up to a hot breakfast and following morning briefing at 6:00am, are heading out for day shift.

July 31, 2017 at 8:33 AM

Short update: CA-IMT2 (Mills) transitioned at 6:00 am. Moderate fire behavior with backing and isolated torching. Threats to communities of Quincy and Meadow Valley, water sheds, local infrastructure, communication sites, powerlines, major travel ways, Feather River College.

July 30, 2017 at 8:30 PM

An inversion has settled over Quincy and conditions are very smoky. PNF fire management staff are actively transitioning with a CA Type 2 Incident Command Team, and they’ve just arrived to support our efforts. Complete transition will take effect at 6am on 7/31. Plumas County Sheriff isn’t projecting any evacuations in the short term so take a breather indoors.

Heavy aircraft and dozer support aided firefighters, while engines remain on standby for structure protection. Efforts continue to hold the 24N20-Watershed/Peppard Rd. Good progress was made today; direct attack on flanks.

July 30, 2017 at 7:30 PM

Moderate fire behavior with short-range spotting, single tree torching and flanking. Threats to the community of Meadow Valley, Quincy, local infrastructure, communication sites, powerlines and Hwy 70.

July 30, 2017 at 6:57 PM

TNF Air Attack 17 is assigned to the fire until they time out.

July 30, 2017 at 3:25 PM

Firefighters are having success working on fireline in the West Fork of the Mill Creek drainage, with extensive air support. Quincy residents are likely seeing the giant, mosquito-like, Sky Crane, with its snorkel which sucks up water into its belly tank. Also, the DC 10 is making drops on the fire.

July 30, 2017 at 1:49 PM

Aircraft are grounded due to air quality over the fire.

July 30, 2017 at 11:30 AM

Per Sierra Front Dispatch: Black Mountain Hotshots and Silver State Hotshots off district and committed to the Minerva Fire in the @USFSPlumas

July 30, 2017 at 9:58 AM

Plumas NF: A slightly more refined estimate pegs the fire at 700 acres this am. Today’s focus is to keep the fire south of the Watershed (Peppard Flat) Road (#24N20) and west of the #24N21 Road. Every kind of aircraft will be in play including all types of helicopters, airtankers, scoopers (slurping in Buck’s Lake), VLAT (very large air tanker) and air attack flying above them all.

Fire behavior is typically moderated at night and in the morning and as the day heats up, so does the fire activity.

It will be very hot today and humidities will be in the mid- teens meaning active fire behavior later today, similar to yesterday.

Please honor the Plumas County Sheriff’s “be prepared” message. See www.ReadyforWildfire.org for tips on how to do just that.

July 30, 2017 at 7:56 AM

Cooler night temperatures and calmer winds kept Minerva Fire activity moderated through the night. The fire is in the west fork of the Mill Creek drainage but has not crossed the #24N20/Watershed road. Structure protection engines from all over Plumas County and beyond arrived all through the night and will continue to patrol Quincy neighborhoods today.

July 29, 2017 at 8:00 PM

CA IMT2 (Mills) has been ordered, in-brief 07/30 at 1800. Evacuation advisories and smoke impacting the town of Quincy. No divert on aircraft, VLAT assigned.

July 29, 2017 at 7:08 PM

The fire has not crossed below the 24N20 Road (commonly called the Watershed Road) and has not entered Boyle’s Ravine. Residents of East Quincy will likely see fire activity in the Mill Creek drainage this evening. Structure protection fire engines will be deployed to Quincy neighborhoods as a precautionary measure. Meadow Valley and Bucks Lake are not currently impacted by this fire.

July 29, 2017 at 6:17 PM

Fire behavior has moderated, winds are very calm now. Firefighters are making good progress. Structure protection groups are taking their positions.

July 29, 2017 at 6:04 PM

An update from Plumas Co. Sheriff’s Office & Office of Emergency Services: “Residents of Quincy are strongly encouraged to start making emergency plans for the possibility of evacuation. Residents are encouraged to shut all windows, collect all personal documents, photos, avoid use of air conditioning, and locate your pets and keep them nearby. Below is a link for a complete list of pre-evacuation preparation steps”:

www.readyforwildfire.org/Pre-Evacuation-Preparation/

For more information from the Sheriff’s Office, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriffsoffice

4:45 pm Update – One of the fires in the Minerva Fire complex is very actively burning. Smoke is funneling directly into American Valley. The fire is spotting into the Mill Creek drainage. Additional resources are being ordered.

2:25 pm Update – No big changes. Smoke column is a bit more defined for those who can see it, especially from Quincy. Folks may see some ash which is normal as it is carried aloft away from the fire and then drifts down. There are no communities threatened. Smokejumpers from the Redding Smokejumper Base are part of the ground crew as are heavylift (Type 1) and Type 2 helicopters, air tankers and our favorite “eyes in the sky” air attack. Air attack flies above the aircraft below and feeds both them and ground troops information about fire activity.

1:15 PM Update – Three of the fires within the Minerva Fire complex have grown together at about 50-60 acres. With the exception of the fire area (remote/see map attached) all roads and recreation areas in the Plumas National Forest are open. People may smell smoke as there is a slight inversion. Smoke can be seen in the east end of American Valley. Aircraft are also using Bucks Lake for water.

Firefighters are working multiple starts ( 5 starts from 1/4 ac to 10 acres) in a grouping being called the Minerva Fire. T23N, R9E, Sec 4 on the northside of Claremont. Fire is burning in brush and scattered timber with a moderate rate of spread. Helicopters and superscoopers are assisting firefighters on the ground. No known structure threats currently. Smoke visible from Quincy, Meadow Valley and Bucks Lake areas and beyond. Helicopters dipping from nearby water sources and airtankers are on scene. Fire activity is low to moderate.