Bear, Sierra Brooks TNF

Bear, Tahoe NF, USFS. Six miles south of Loyalton, CA. Brush and timber. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Area, road and trail closures in effect.

September 13, 2024 at 10:28 AM

Thanks to the work of fire crews, the Bear Fire has continued to stay within its footprint. Patrol and repair will continue through the weekend as crews prepare for an incoming cold front. Repair activities include mitigating long-term environmental impacts and facilitating the restoration of the affected landscape. Repair operations include chipping and road repair in areas damaged by suppression efforts.

A Burned Area Emergency Recovery (BAER) Team will begin work on the impacted area starting Saturday. The team is comprised of experts – including hydrologists, soil scientists, road engineers and archeologists – who will be monitoring soil burn severity and developing rehabilitation plans for the Bear Fire area.

This will be the final written incident update unless significant incident activity warrants otherwise.

September 12, 2024 at 9:27 AM

The Bear Fire has continued to remain in its footprint despite an increase in winds. Repair efforts are now fully underway.

Patrol and repair operations are the focus, with crews continuing to build containment and mop up into the fire footprint to expand the buffer zone. Repair operations are taking place along the Badenough Ridge and in Badenough Canyon, where crews are working to improve road drainage. Other repair activities include mitigating long-term environmental impacts and facilitating the restoration of the affected landscape. Repair operations include chipping and road repair in areas damaged by suppression efforts.

The stronger winds that brought in Wednesday’s cold front are expected to die off, with breezes from the northwest. Temperatures are expected to be cooler throughout the day.

NV Energy will reenergize the power lines Friday morning beginning at 4:30 A.M. Residents can expect 30 minutes gaps in power as they work to restore lines.

Due to decreasing fire activity, Tahoe National Forest has updated the forest closure for the Bear Fire area reflecting a reduction in the closure area. The purpose of the closure order is to provide for public safety during wildland fire suppression efforts and to keep the general public at a safe distance from any fire activity.

WEATHER:

Cooler weather is expected on Thursday with high temperatures dipping around 10 degrees below seasonal averages after Wednesday’s cold frontal passage. Brisk north-northeast breezes around 5-10 mph will prevail this afternoon with highs in the upper 60s to near 70 and minimum humidities around 20-25%.

September 11, 2024 at 8:07 AM

Transition of command back to the local unit occurred this morning. Road closures are in effect. Power lines and communication infrastructure are threatened.

Thanks to successful containment efforts, Tahoe National Forest resumed command of the Bear Fire as of 7 a.m. today, Sept. 11.

Focus remains on mop up and repair operations in areas impacted by fire suppression in the southeast region of Smithneck Road and the 506 Road. These activities include mitigating long-term environmental impacts and facilitating the restoration of the affected landscape. Crews continue to build containment and mop up into the fire footprint to expand the buffer zone. Sections of the operation area have transitioned to patrol status, indicating significant progress in containment.

A change in weather is expected for Wednesday afternoon, with a cold front bringing gusty south to southwest winds with gusts up to 30-35mph. Cooler conditions are expected, with temperatures dropping 10-12 degrees below seasonal averages with near freezing temperatures in the valley and drainage areas. The Sierra Valley area remains out of the red flag warning zone, but crews are prepared for windy conditions on the fire line.

Several evacuation zones have been downgraded to normal status. An evacuation order remains within the fire perimeter, and the area is inaccessible to the public. Forest closures and evacuation orders remain in place to safeguard both the public and fire crew members. Any unauthorized entry into these restricted areas is strictly forbidden.

WEATHER:

Wind speeds are expected to increase as a cold front arrives Wednesday afternoon. Gusty winds of 30-35 mph are expected today, with temperatures dropping 10-12 degrees below the season average in valley and drainage areas.

September 10, 2024 at 9:26 AM

Yesterday, crews continued their efforts to repair the areas that were impacted by fire suppression in the southeast region of Smithneck Road and 56 Road. These activities include mitigating long-term environmental impacts and facilitating the restoration of the affected landscape. Firefighters are working on approximately 61 miles of dozer lines, 11 miles of road, and 12 miles of hand lines will require suppression repair to be completed.

Today, the fire perimeter is expected to remain within its current footprint. Several sections of the fire-affected area have transitioned to patrol status, indicating significant progress in containment. Firefighters will persist in containment efforts and closely monitor the contained sections to prevent wind-driven interior fires from escaping the perimeter. The western Sierra Nevada area near Reno is currently experiencing Red Flag conditions, characterized by dry weather, low humidity, and strong winds, which increase the risk of wildfires. While the Bear Fire is not currently situated within a Red Flag area, its proximity to these conditions and the possibility of similar weather patterns affecting the region could lead to increased fire activity. Mop-up and repair operations will continue, employing heavy equipment such as dozers, chippers, and excavators.

Several evacuation zones have been downgraded to normal status with the fire’s containment progressing. However, an evacuation order persists within the fire perimeter, and the area remains inaccessible to the public. It is imperative to remember that Forest Closures and Evacuation Orders remain in place to safeguard both the public and firefighters. Any unauthorized entry into these restricted areas is strictly forbidden.

WEATHER:

Wind speeds are expected to increase as a cold front approaches on Wednesday. Winds of 25 mph are expected today in the fire area.

September 9, 2024 at 9:15 AM

Yesterday evening, the incident transitioned out of unified command. Crews continued to focus on gaining additional depth in their mop-up efforts. With wind gusts reaching up to 29 mph, crews worked through the night to maintain containment and successfully maintained the current footprint of the fire.

Today, crews will be working on gaining depth and mop-up efforts, around the southeast area of Smithneck Road and the 56 Road. Other resources have been redirected to suppression repair, which involves restoring areas impacted by wildfire suppression activities to a more natural or stable condition. Currently, the tasks include approximately 60 miles of dozer lines, 11 miles of road lines, and 12 miles of hand lines requiring suppression repair. Overall, suppression repair aims to minimize long-term environmental impacts and facilitate the recovery of the affected landscape.

As the containment of the fire is improving, it is important to remember there are Forest Closures and Evacuation Orders that remain in effect for public and crew safety. Any public entry to these areas are prohibited. The closure area boundary travels north along State Highway 89 until it reaches end of National Forest System Lands south of Sierraville. The closure continues generally east and then north along the forest boundary to the Antelope Valley State Wildlife Area. At the eastern most boundary with the Antelope Valley State Wildlife Area the closure boundary then travels generally east along the forest boundary to its junction to the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest. At that junction the closure boundary travels generally south along the Tahoe National Forest boundary to the junction of the Truckee Ranger District where the closure boundary travels west along County Road 860 (Smithneck Creek Road) until it becomes County Road 450 (Henness Pass Road) and back to Little Truckee Summit.

WEATHER:

Winds are expected to decrease in speed from the previous days, with a cold front approaching on Wednesday. Wind gusts of 25 mph with cooler temperatures are expected with a 20% chance of showers forecasted for Wednesday.

September 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Firefighters made good progress today. All containment lines held and containment percentage is up to 45%.

September 8, 2024 at 7:47 AM

Yesterday, despite afternoon winds with gusts up to 25-30 mph, crews continued to hold the line around the fire, and increased containment south of Badenough Canyon Road to southeast of Smithneck Road and around the Loyalton Rotary Park. Thanks to the hard work of the crews, the fire has stayed within its current footprint despite recent weather changes and gusty winds. This has successfully kept the fire from spreading to private property, nearby communities, and other important areas.

Overnight, crews were successful in improving the direct line on the south side of the fire. They also looked for hot spots and continued the mop-up operations from the previous day.

Today, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 30 mph, efforts will focus on strengthening the control lines and mop up depth. Crews will work on gaining additional depth and continue with the mop-up process. Additionally, suppression repair work has started, concentrating on fixing damaged roads and removing hazard trees.

WEATHER:

Mostly sunny with a maximum temperature of 78 to 81 degrees and relative humidity from 14 to 18 percent. Winds are expected out of the south around 5 to 10mph increasing out of the southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25mph this afternoon. A cold front is expected to come in starting Wednesday with overnight lows dropping into the 30 degree temperature range.

September 7, 2024 at 7:52 AM

TNF update: Even with changes in the weather, including stronger winds and a chance of thunderstorms, there were no major weather-related issues affecting the fire. Fire crews successfully contained the fire around the Smithneck Creek State Wildlife area, which is east of Smithneck Road and north of Dodge Canyon. The crews are working hard to gain containment on the fire’s perimeter and improve the direct fire lines. Aircraft were used for water drops throughout the day.

During the night, crews concentrated on improving the direct fire lines, moping up hot spots, and continuing suppression efforts. There will be no further aircraft in the evening.

Today, we will focus on reinforcing the existing fire lines to minimize the fire’s impact on nearby communities and to increase containment. Mop-up operations will continue across the area affected by the fire.

WEATHER:

Wind with a Southwest flow is expected for the next several days with a breezy pattern throughout the area. Winds gusts may reach upwards of 20 mph but are not expected into critical conditions. Temperatures will remain warm. A 5% chance of thunderstorms to the east, followed by increasing southwest winds this weekend into next week.

September 6, 2024 at 6:37 PM

Containment is up to 23%, light to moderate activity within the fire perimeter reported.

September 6, 2024 at 8:08 AM

TNF update: Yesterday, improved weather conditions allowed our fire crews to continue to secure mop up and buffer the fire zone. Teams were able to hike in and lay hose where safe, with continuous support from aviation throughout the day.

Overnight, the fire remained in its current footprint allowing crews to focus on improving the direct lines and hose lays installed during the day. Aircraft continued to assist throughout the evening.

Today, efforts will be continuing strengthening the existing lines and scouting new ones to reduce the fire’s impact on local communities and prepare for incoming weather. Crews will continue the mopping-up process, which involves extinguishing any remaining hot spots near control lines, removing hazardous burned trees, and assessing logs to prevent them from rolling and causing additional fires or smoke.

WEATHER: Wind with a South-southeast flow is expected for the next several days with a breezy pattern throughout the area. This is a slight change from the previous few days, but winds are not expected to reach critical conditions. Temperatures will continue to warm. A pattern change will bring a 5% chance of thunderstorms east of the fire today, followed by increasing southwest winds this weekend into next week.

September 6, 2024 at 7:05 AM

Moderate fire behavior was reported overnight.

September 5, 2024 at 6:59 PM

Reduction in acreage due to more accurate mapping. Active fire behavior was reported. Evacuation Orders and Warnings in place. Re-populaton occuring where safe. Road closures are in effect. Power lines and communication infrastructure are threatened.

The Sierra Brooks community began repopulation efforts today at 4 PM, following recent updates to the evacuation status. The following zones are now under Evacuation Warning: SIE-E031-A, SIE-E032-B, and SIE-E032-C. All other zones remain as previously designated.

Residents who choose to return home should stay vigilant and informed about ongoing Bear Fire activity. While repopulation efforts are underway, it remains crucial for residents to be prepared for potential evacuation if fire conditions worsen or if the Sierra Brooks community faces new threats.

Community members are advised to be cautious of fire personnel and equipment in the area. Firefighters are working around the clock, and residents may continue to observe smoke during the day and red glows at night. It is important to understand that this is normal, and fire personnel are monitoring the situation. Small pockets of vegetation within the burn area may ignite, causing the appearance of increased fire activity.

September 5, 2024 at 11:32 AM

TNF update: Yesterday, improved weather conditions allowed our fire crews to set up anchor points in areas where the terrain and fuel conditions were favorable. This enabled them to go direct when safe, with continuous support from aviation throughout the day.

Crews successfully contained the fire at Bear Valley Road and used this position to build a direct line to Turner Canyon Road. Crews worked diligently around the Smithneck Creek State Wildlife Area, establishing a direct line south to the Calvin Powers Memorial Grove. South of the Memorial Grove, crews utilized a dozer line to continue going direct and establish line.

Overnight, crews focused on improving the direct lines and hose setups made during the day. Aircraft continued to assist with water drops throughout the evening.

Today, our efforts will be on strengthening the existing lines and creating new ones to reduce the fire’s impact on local communities. We are also beginning the mopping-up process, which involves extinguishing any remaining hot spots near control lines, removing dangerous burned trees, and handling logs to prevent them from rolling and causing additional fires or smoke.

September 5, 2024 at 10:52 AM

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for 293 structures and 359 residences. 760 residences are without power, as High Voltage Electric Power Transmission Lines run through the fire perimeter. Loyalton is 3 miles to the west with a population of close to 1000 people, and remains threatened though not currently under evacuation warning. There are multiple communication towers within the communities.

Additional natural values at risk are Antelope Valley Wildlife area and Smithneck Creek Wildlife area. Topography, weather and fuels conditions will remain challenging for fire behavior.

September 5, 2024 at 7:42 AM

Warming and dry conditions are a concern through the week with high fuel loading of cured grasses, tall brush, and hevey dead and down fuels. Rapid fire growth and high resistance to control can be expected with lower than normal wind thresholds. Forecast is based on forecast start time of 0700 PDT on September 5, 2024. High pressure will prevail through Thursday with general light east-southeast flow and very dry conditions. Poor recoveries on midslopes and ridges. Temperatures will continue to warm with afternoon readings 5-8 degrees above average by Thursday and Friday.

September 5, 2024 at 7:11 AM

Active fire behavior was reported overnight. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Public Health Departments of Sierra and Plumas Counties are issuing a joint Air Quality Health Advisory due to smoke impacts from the Bear Fire South of Loyalton in Sierra County.

September 4, 2024 at 6:08 PM

3,279 acres grass and brush, 0% contained. Active fire behavior was reported. Evacuation Orders and Warnings in place. Road closures are in effect the area. Power lines and communication infrastructure are threatened. The fire is in Unified Command with the Tahoe National Forest and CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit. CICIMT 2 (Coots) assumed command at 1800 today.

September 4, 2024 at 5:54 PM

A community meeting will be held tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Sierraville Elementary School. The meeting will be livestreamed on Tahoe National Forest’s Facebook page.

September 4, 2024 at 2:44 PM

The fire has been mapped at 3,280 acres. Per Sierra County Sheriff: Mandatory Evacuation Orders will remain in place until a safe containment level is achieved.

Sierra County Social Services is available to address individual emergency needs at 202 Front Street in Loyalton or by calling 530-993-6700 For a list of lodging options and other resources visit the Sierra County website Bear Fire 2024.

Sierra-Plumas Unified School District indicates they will continue to work with law enforcement, OES, and fire officials to make decisions about school one day at a time using all relevant information. They will continue to communicate school closure information through email and text systems, the District Facebook page, and the automated all-call system.

The safety and well-being of residents, staff, and community continue to be our top priority during this challenging time. Thank you for your patience and kindness to each other.

September 4, 2024 at 9:50 AM

Tanker 132 reinforcing a retardant line.

September 4, 2024 at 8:50 AM

Control Objectives

Keep the fire north of Lewis Mill, south of the community of Sierra Brooks, east of Antelope Valley and west of Bald Mountain Range.

Weather

Above normal temperature and light winds are forecasted through Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 85 degrees with 60-65% relative humidity. Light winds are expected to become southeast with gusts up to 10 mph. Winds are expected to shift east in the evening.

Incident Management Team 2 will be taking command of the incident today at 6 p.m. The combination of warming temperatures, dry fuel conditions and strong winds intensified the fire’s behavior yesterday. Shortly after the inversion lifted yesterday, west winds picked up, resulting in active fire behavior starting at 1 p.m. Active fire remains along much of the fire perimeter, with short range spotting challenging suppression efforts. Significant fire impacted and crossed Smithneck Road with spread to the east.

Fire crews actively engaged to establish containment lines, while significant aviation resources delivered retardant and water drops. Due to steep and rocky terrain, crews have experienced difficulty in gaining access to some areas of the fire, slowing progress. Significant dead and down fuels have served as a catalyst for rapid fire spread in brush and timber.

Today, crews will continue to provide defensive actions as needed to protect communities and infrastructure. Firefighters will work to construct direct containment line using dozers and hand crews.

Active fire behavior with high difficulty of suppression is within 1 mile of the community of Sierra Brooks, and 3 miles of Loyalton. High Voltage electric power transmission lines are within the fire perimeter and 760 residences are without power. There are multiple communication towers within a mile of active fire.

September 4, 2024 at 6:52 AM

A closure order has been issued for the Bear Fire area. Sierra Brooks and Loyalton are in close proximity to active fire and will remain at high risk, as will the high voltage power lines and communication towers. Bassetts lookout could be impacted.

September 4, 2024 at 6:35 AM

3,000 acres grass and brush, 0% contained. Active fire behavior was reported.

September 3, 2024 at 7:53 PM

Air Attack 230 has left the fire, all fixed-wing aircraft are off the fire. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for 286 structures and 536 residences. 760 residences are without power, as High Voltage Electric Power Transmission Lines run through the fire perimeter. Loyalton is 3 miles to the west with a population of close to 1,000 people, and remains threatened though not currently under evacuation warning. There are multiple communication towers within the communities.

September 3, 2024 at 5:09 PM

The combination of warming temperatures, dry fuel conditions and strong winds has intensified the fire’s behavior. Fire crews are working effortlessly to establish containment lines, while aviation resources are actively engaged in delivering retardant and water drops. Winds tonight are expected to remain steady from the west at around 10 mph.

Due to the increased fire activity, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has expanded evacuation warnings to include zones SIE-E058 and SIE-E059. For detailed evacuation zone information, please visit https://protect.genasys.com/search.

WEATHER:

Widespread haze with areas of smoke. Around 45 degrees with relative humidity from 35 to 40%.

September 3, 2024 at 1:39 PM

Aircraft are working the fire, including Tanker 912, a DC 10. Fire is very active again. Mandatory Water Restriction for the area of Sierra Brooks, all outdoor watering is suspended.

September 3, 2024 at 10:13 AM

Aircraft are over the fire, the nightly inversion is starting to lift.

September 3, 2024 at 9:11 AM

Fire activity moderated overnight due to cooler temperatures and decreased winds. Yesterday and overnight, crews were able establish anchor points where fuels and terrain would allow and began to lay a combination of hand and dozer line. Today, firefighters will continue to engage in both direct and indirect line and hose lay to suppress and contain the fire as quickly as possible. Due to steep and rocky terrain and limited road access, crews are still working on gaining access to some areas of the fire. In addition to full suppression efforts, significant structure defense resources are working to triage and defend structures in and around Sierra Brooks. Primary and contingency lines will be constructed as necessary in order to protect the community.

Incident control objects are to keep the fire north of Lewis Mill, south of the community of Sierra Brooks, east of Antelope Valley and west of Bald Mountain Range.

Currently 286 structures and 536 residences are currently under mandatory evacuation orders. 760 residences are without power.

Evacuations

The community of Sierra Books remains under a Mandatory Evacuation, and the following zones are under an Evacuation Warning: SIE-E022, SIE-E023, SIE-E027, SIE-E028, and SIE-E029. If additional evacuations become necessary, the Sheriff’s Office will issue notifications through Everbridge and Zonehaven – Genesis. Find your zone at https://protect.genasys.com/search.

Incident History

The Bear Fire was reported on Sept. 2, 2024 at 2 p.m. off Bear Valley Rd. on the Tahoe National Forest, south of the community of Sierra Brooks in Sierra County. Tahoe National Forest, Cal Fire and Sierra County Sheriff’s Office are in unified command. The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.

September 3, 2024 at 7:02 AM

Active fire behavior was reported overnight. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in place. Road closures are in effect the area. Power lines are threatened. The fire is in Unified Command with the Tahoe National Forest and CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit.

September 3, 2024 at 6:31 AM

An Incident Management Team has been requested and will inbrief tomorrow. Incident objectives are focused on the protection of Sierra Brooks, the safety of the community and fire fighting personnel and to contain the fire as quickly as possible.

September 3, 2024 at 6:24 AM

The fire was mapped overnight at 1,391 acres. The fire is threatening Sierra Brooks with 286 structures and 536 residents under mandatory evacuation orders issued by Sierra County Sheriff’s Office. 760 residences and businesses are without power.

September 2, 2024 at 8:49 PM

Helicopter 47D, a Chinook, has arrived over the fire. They will support night operations.

September 2, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Latest mapping is 1,183 acres, still very active fire behavior, including short-range spotting. Here are the latest evacuation orders and warnings as of 7:30 pm.

September 2, 2024 at 6:39 PM

Fire is in Unified Command with the Tahoe National Forest and CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit. Active fire behavior with short-range spotting reported.

September 2, 2024 at 5:53 PM

Latest acreage update from the IC is 800 acres.

September 2, 2024 at 5:41 PM

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for gusty winds and low RH through 8:00 pm tonight.

September 2, 2024 at 5:18 PM

Per wireless alert from Sierra County Sheriff’s Office: Evacuation on Hwy 49 S on Smithneck Rd all the way through Sierra Brooks. This is Zone SIE-E032. This is not showing on the Genasys map yet.

Resources on scene reporting 200-250 acres.

September 2, 2024 at 5:04 PM

Bear IC has placed a large resource order for crews, dozers and engines.

September 2, 2024 at 4:52 PM

The updated perimeter is 196.55 acres. The fire is on both sides of Bear Valley Road, still wind-driven.

September 2, 2024 at 4:35 PM

The fire is spotting along Bear Valley Rd and is burning in a northern direction towards Sierra Brooks.

September 2, 2024 at 4:26 PM

Immediate need Nevada County engine strike team forming up for the Bear fire.

September 2, 2024 at 4:23 PM

Fire has been mapped at 63.9 acres.

September 2, 2024 at 4:10 PM

Intel 12 is over the fire, mapping the current perimeter.

September 2, 2024 at 3:54 PM

Additional resources from the Plumas National Forest are being dispatched.

September 2, 2024 at 3:42 PM

Power company is shutting off all lines in the area.

September 2, 2024 at 3:22 PM

The fire is still burning at a high to rapid rate of spread in brush and grass. Current weather is 73 degrees, 21% RH, winds south/southwest at 17 MPH with gusts to 30 MPH.

September 2, 2024 at 3:15 PM

The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Mandatory and Lawful Evacuation Order for the Westside of Sierra Brooks due to a wildfire. There is an immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access and residents are ordered to leave immediately. Zones SIE-E031 is under a mandatory evacuation.

September 2, 2024 at 2:57 PM

The west side of Sierra Brooks will be under an evacuation order shortly.

September 2, 2024 at 2:56 PM

Bear IC is requesting five additional engines and two dozer strike teams.

September 2, 2024 at 2:45 PM

Air Attack 230 and Tanker 89 are at scene of the Bear incident on the Tahoe National Forest.

September 2, 2024 at 2:19 PM

Reported vegetation fire on the Tahoe National Forest. The Bear incident is south of Loyalton and Sierra Brooks. Units dispatched.