R-1 Ranch, Eagle Lake

R-1 Ranch, Northern California District, BLM. IMT 2 (CA Team 16). Thirteen miles northeast of Susanville, CA. Timber, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering.

September 2, 2019 at 9:51 AM

California Interagency Incident Management Team will transfer command of the fire back to local resources at 8 p.m. tonight.

The fire has remained within containment lines for the last few shifts, and crews are concentrating today on suppression repair and mopping up the last few isolated hot spots. Afternoon winds may cause unburned islands of vegetation within the fire perimeter to ignite and burn; these are well within containment lines but are being carefully monitored by firefighters.

The weather today is expected to be similar to yesterday, with gusty southwest winds developing this evening and even poorer humidity recovery than last night. Buildups will creep back into the area late tomorrow afternoon, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Residents and visitors are reminded that firefighters are still working on the R1 Ranch Fire. Please use caution when traveling through or in the fire area.

The Temporary Flight Restriction in place for the R1 Ranch Fire will be lifted as of 8 p.m. tonight, September 2, 2019.

September 1, 2019 at 11:24 AM

The fire remained within containment lines again overnight, with very little heat showing. Crews will work today to extinguish any residual heat sources that could threaten containment. They will also begin suppression repair along constructed fire lines. Residents and visitors in the area may see smoke within containment lines as remaining vegetation continues to ignite and burn. Where practical, firefighters are working to protect these unburned islands to preserve Sage-Grouse habitat.

Weather today is expected to remain hot and dry, with very poor humidity recovery overnight. A chance of lightning is predicted for the fire area on Wednesday.

Hunters and recreational users are reminded that fire personnel are still actively working on fire suppression and repair. Please use extra caution and watch for firefighters and equipment in the area.

A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire area today.

August 31, 2019 at 10:14 AM

The R-1 Ranch Fire is burning on BLM land approximately 13 miles northeast of Susanville, California. It was started by lightning on August 28, 2019. California Interagency Incident Management Team 16 assumed command of the fire at 7 a.m. this morning.

The fire stayed relatively inactive overnight, with all containment lines holding well. Today, firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol fire lines, and will remain prepared to respond to any new fire activity. Smoke may be visible inside the containment area as unburned areas of vegetation continues to ignite and burn.

The weather today is expected to be hot and dry, with low humidity recovery overnight. Thunderstorms may return to the area by mid-week.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire. Residents and visitors are reminded that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are not permitted in or around fire areas. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!

Very dry air began moving in yesterday and will last through Sunday. Low afternoon humidity with poor overnight recovery for mid slopes and ridges are expected. Winds may increase for Sunday and Monday with the possibility of thunderstorms Wednesday onward.

August 30, 2019 at 5:51 PM

The increase in acreage is attributed to more accurate aerial mapping. Type 2 incident management team, California Team 16, will assume management of the fire on Aug. 31.

August 30, 2019 at 8:10 AM

Planned Actions: Continue direct and indirect line construction from anchor points. Use parts of Horse Lake Road as containment line.

This fire has spread into rocky terrain, limiting effective suppression to experienced hand crews and air support. Because of increasing complexity, a Type 2 incident management team has been ordered.

An incident base will be established at the Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville.

August 29, 2019 at 8:10 PM

The fire burned across the fireline during the afternoon and burned northeast, pushed by strong wind and low relative humidity. The fire has burned 900 acres of sage grouse habitat.

Fire behavior was active with wind driven runs and short range spotting. Very rocky terrain with limited access is hampering suppression efforts.

Driven by wind, the fire could continue to spread east and northeast toward Horse Lake Flat.

August 29, 2019 at 7:32 AM

This is a lightning-caused wildfire burning on BLM-managed public lands and private lands about 13 miles northeast of Susanville, Calif. The fire is about two and a half miles from the site of last week’s Horse Fire. It started from lightning activity during the late afternoon of Aug. 28.

The fire is threatening two remote ranches and a historic cabin. The ranches have been evacuated as a precaution. No buildings have burned. At the outset, the fire was pushed by erratic winds. There was short-range spotting.

This fire has also burned about 300 acres of habitat for greater sage-grouse and threatens priority sage grouse habitat, which is a high priority for protection.

As of 10 p.m. Aug. 28 there were 20 fire engines, seven helicopters, three water tenders, three bulldozers and 11 hand crews assigned. More resources have been ordered.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for dry and breezy weather with near critical fire weather conditions. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.  Driven by wind, the fire could continue to spread east and northeast toward Horse Lake Flat.

August 28, 2019 at 7:00 PM

500 acres grass and sage brush, 0% contained. Fire is located 9 miles east of Eagle Lake and is burning with a moderate rate of spread. There is a threat to Sage Grouse habitat.