Fire at a glance (numbers)
- Incident Name: Loyalton Fire
- State: CA
- Lead Agency: TNF
- Size (acres): 47,029
- Percent Contained: 100%
- Estimate of Containment: August 24,2020
- Personnel: 20
- Structures Destroyed: 35
Loyalton, Tahoe NF, USFS. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (CA Team 10) back to the local unit will occur on 8/24. Four miles northeast of Loyalton, CA. Timber and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior with creeping, smoldering and isolated torching. Numerous residences and sage-grouse habitat threatened. Evacuations, area, road and trail closures in effect.
August 24, 2020 at 8:56 PM
There is a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms and gusty outflow winds in the fire area. Crews continue to mop up and secure control lines. Sierra Front Team 1, Type 3 Incident Management Team is in command.
August 23, 2020 at 7:32 PM
August 23, 2020 at 9:39 AM
Fire activity has been isolated to interior pockets of fuel. Road, area and trail closures remain in effect. There is a Red Flag Warning issued for dry lightning starting today. There is a planned transfer to a Type 3 management organization on 8/24. California Type 2, Team 10 (Darlymple) in command.
August 22, 2020 at 9:57 AM
This will be the last update from California Interagency IMT 10 on the Loyalton Fire. Any further updates will be issued only should conditions change.
Current Situation:
The fire was quiet again overnight. Crews patrolled and looked for heat, but saw very little activity.
Firefighters are mopping up and making sure no burning logs or remaining hot spots could possibly threaten containment lines. They are also working at suppression repair, especially on dozer lines, to prevent erosion when winter rains arrive.
Infrared mapping shows several islands of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter. Visitor and residents are advised that these islands may continue to ignite and burn. However, they pose no threat to the fire’s containment at this point.
Smoke: The numerous other fires in the region have seen severe fire behavior and smoke production, which continues to impact the air quality in this forecast area. Expect overall unhealthy conditions in the forecast area through today.
The best chance of a slight reprieve will be in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at More information about smoke in California is available at:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at https://fire.airnow.gov/
Weather: Temperatures today are predicted to be similar to yesterday, with slightly decreased winds and some clouds moving into the area by afternoon. These clouds indicate a coming change in weather, Lightning, with little associated precipitation, is expected to move into the area over the next few days.
August 21, 2020 at 10:44 PM
The fire was relatively quiet again today, despite winds which picked up considerably in the afternoon.
Today crews worked to mop up containment lines, gaining at least 100 feet of cold black from the fire’s edge. They also began suppression repair, which includes repairing dozer lines to prevent erosion caused by winter rains. They continued to backhaul excess trash and equipment as well.
Firefighters were alerted that one additional home and 27 outbuildings (many of which were abandoned) have been destroyed by the Loyalton Fire. These structures were in the southern area of the fire and likely burned during the first several days.
Tonight will be the last scheduled night shift. Crews will continue to patrol firelines and extinguish any hot spots as needed.
Smoke: The numerous other fires in the region have seen severe fire behavior and smoke production again today, which has continued to impact the air quality in this forecast area. Expect overall unhealthy conditions in the forecast area through today and tomorrow. The best chance of a slight reprieve will be in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralSierra
August 21, 2020 at 9:17 AM
Crews worked overnight to find and extinguish heat sources interior to containment lines near Balls Canyon Ranch andalong the southern fire perimeter. Priorities today are to continue strength lines, backhaul excess equipment, and identify remaining heat sources.
Smoke: Air quality conditions are predicted to be unhealthy overall, with periods of very unhealthy conditions. Unfortunately, weather conditions are expected to persist through Saturday so this forecast area will continue to see smoke impacts from other regional fires. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralSierra
More information about smoke in California is available at:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
https://fire.airnow.gov/
Weather: While the Red Flag Warning for the fire area has expired, extremely dry conditions, along with gusty winds, do imply critical conditions for firefighters.
All evacuations are now lifted with the exception of Long Valley Road and Balls Canyon Road.
Road Closures
There are currently no road closures associated with the Loyalton Fire.
August 20, 2020 at 7:43 PM
Firefighters continued to work today to strengthen completed line around the fire. The northern edge is mopped up to 100 feet or more in most places, but the southern edge still needs work to be considered contained. Crews will continue that work tonight.
While the perimeter of the fire is lined, residents and motorists can expect to see occasional flareups as unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite and burn.
Smoke: Expect air quality conditions to be overall unhealthy with periods of very unhealthy for tomorrow. Unfortunately, weather conditions are expected persist through Saturday so this forecast area will continue to see smoke impacts from other regional fires. Find a downloadable version of the daily air quality forecast at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralSierra
August 19, 2020 at 7:12 PM
Predicted high winds caused fire activity to pick up after noon today. Containment lines were tested by the wind, and crews worked through the afternoon to ensure that minimal fire spread occurred outside of constructed lines.
Containment held well on the top of the fire, with very little heat observed. The most active area of the fire was between Burma Summit and Balls Canyon Ranch, where some small spots occurred.
However, the wind was mostly at firefighter’s backs, and they were able to pick those spots up promptly. Firefighters also worked to construct indirect fireline (line away from the fire’s active edge) and contingency lines should they be unable to stop the fire progression directly along its existing perimeter. This proposed contingency line is north of Babbit Peak.
Smoke: Multiple new fires (mostly from last week’s lightning) are causing a drastic decrease in air quality throughout the state. Another inversion is expected to set up overnight, and visibility may be impaired due to smoky conditions.
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ or at
Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through the evening for high temperatures and strong, gusty winds. The Red Flag Warning is in effect through the evening of August 20, 2020.
Evacuations
All evacuations for Vinton and Chilcoot have been lifted.
All evacuations in Lassen County have been lifted.
All evacuations for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown have been lifted.
Evacuation Advisories have been lifted for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point, and in the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.
An Evacuation Advisory remains in effect for Sierra Brooks. Road Closures
Hwy 49 is currently open.
Hwy 395 is currently open.
Hwy 70 is currently open.August 19, 2020 at 8:36 AM
he fire was considerably quieter overnight than it has been for the last few days. Activity was visible behind Bug Station on the east side of Highway 395, but the flare up was within the burn perimeter, and firefighters quickly extinguished it. While line along the top of the fire continues to hold well, unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite and burn.
Crews worked overnight to attack the fire directly on its southeastern edge, working into Balls Canyon as possible with dozers and hand crews. They continued to build and strengthen indirect line (built away from the fire) on the southern edge. The priority today is to complete this line in advance of today’s predicted winds. The fire remained active in this area overnight.
At 8 p.m. yesterday evening, the nationwide Planning Level was increased to Planning Level 5, indicating that Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas. With multiple fires in California and nationwide, this means that firefighting resources are in high demand across the country.
Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for high temperatures and strong, gusty, winds.
Evacuations
All evacuations for Sierra Brooks have been lifted
All evacuations for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown have been lifted.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.
Evacuation Advisory for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point
Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.
Evacuation advisories remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.
All Evacuation in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes. Road Closures
Hwy 49 is currently open.
Hwy 395 is currently open.
Hwy 70 is currently open. Forest Closures
A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/
August 19, 2020 at 4:50 AM
As of 6:30pm, no additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.
Favorable weather conditions allowed crews to get good work done on the Loyalton Fire today, with mop up around the top of the fire to at least 100 ft of the fireline. These lines have held well for several days. On the east side, dozers made good progress in the Balls Canyon area creating containment directly on the fire’s edge.
On the southern edge of the fire, firefighters worked to construct indirect fireline (away from the fire’s active edge) along Bald Mountain Ridge toward Bald Mountain, while also working to suppress the fire at its edge as conditions permitted.
Weather conditions were more favorable for the Loyalton Fire today, with no significant thunderstorm activity directly over the fire. Conditions are expected to remain light through the night shift, with a Red Flag Warning predicted for tomorrow for high temperatures and gusty winds.
Increased fire activity has seen more crews committed and resources spread thin nationally. California is currently in Planning Level (PL5) meaning that the Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas.
Weather: Temperatures today are expected to be similar to yesterday, with light winds and some precipitation (including possible thunderstorms) predicted before sunset.
August 18, 2020 at 6:27 AM
Road Closures:
Hwy 49 is closed at Railroad Ave. in Loyalton.
Evacuation Orders:
Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been put in place for the area of Sierra Brooks.
Effective immediately, an Evacuation Advisory has been issued for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Hwy 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point out of abundance of caution. Residents do not need to leave immediately, but should be prepared to evacuate should conditions change. Sheriff’s Office staff is in the area to monitor the situation and help if needed.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.
Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown.
Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.
Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to
Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.
All Evacuation Orders in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes.
Road Closures:
Hwy 49 is closed at Railroad Ave. in Loyalton. (New)
Hwy 395 is currently open.
Hwy 70 is currently open, but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure.
August 17, 2020 at 10:29 PM
39,723 acres and 10% contained. 5 homes, 6 outbuildings destroyed.
As of 6:30pm, no additional structures were damaged or destroyed by the fire. Thunderstorms over the fire provided some wetting rain, but also several lightning-caused starts within the fire below the fire area to the south. Outflow winds caused fire activity to pick up toward evening. There is a new EVACUATION ADVISORY for the eastern outskirts of Loyalton.
The narrow finger that run yesterday toward Dog Creek Road did hold to the south, but the wind from the thunderstorm pushed the fire to the west. Firefighters are now working to tie indirect fireline (away from the fire’s edge) south and west toward Babbitt Peak.
The northern and eastern edges of the fire held through the day.
Fire activity picked up again in the state, moving California into Planning Level 5: Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in multiple geographic areas.
Weather: Temperatures tonight are expected to be similar to yesterday, with light winds and some precipitation predicted before sunset.
Evacuations:
- An evacuation advisory has been issued for the City of Loyalton and homes on the south side of Highway 49 west of Loyalton to Lombardi Point
- Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, and Copperfield.
- Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the areas of Cold Springs and Bordertown.
- Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the areas of Chilcoot and Vinton.
- Advisory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the area of Hwy 49 and 70 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.
- All Evacuation Orders in Lassen County have been lifted. Residents are allowed to return to their homes.
Road Closures:
- Hwy 395 is currently open.
- Hwy 70 is currently open and under and advisory evacuation.
- Hwy 49 is currently open
Forest Closures
A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread. Find the closure order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6975/53327/
Closures: Highway 70 is open, but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure. Hwy 395 is reopened. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slowly with headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.
August 17, 2020 at 1:45 PM
Current Situation: No new evacuations were issued overnight. The fire burned actively overnight, showing considerable spread on the west and south sides. Crews made good progress, however, especially around the long finger that moved southeast yesterday west of Highway 395 and threatened the areas around Bordertown and Cold Springs. There is now fire line around that area, and forward progress has been stopped as of now. All evacuation orders remain in effect today.
Day shift crews will continue the work from overnight, tying the line constructed around the finger back into the main body of the fire. They will use indirect (away from the fire’s main edge) and direct (against the fire’s edge) tactics to continue suppression.
Ten helicopters are currently assigned to the fire, with most flying out of the Truckee Airport. Fixed-wing aircraft is available to the fire on an as-needed basis. Fire activity has picked up considerably in California (and the country) over the last few days, and with many new starts around the state, resources are being shared and use to their best effectiveness.
Weather: Temperatures today are expected to be similar to yesterday. Winds today are predicted to be lighter, with only a small chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. A fire weather watch does remain in effect over the area.
Evacuations:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders remains in effect for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, Bordertown and Copperfield.
The Mandatory Evacuation has been changed to an Advisory Evacuation Order for the residents of Cold Springs.
Mandatory evacuation from Red Rock Road south to Highway 70 has been changed to advisory.
The Mandatory Evacuation Order in effect for residents from the intersection of Hwy 49 and 70 east to Hwy 70 and Hwy 395 has been changed to advisory.
An evacuation advisory has been issued for the area of Highway 70 and Highway 49 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Highway 49.
The Mandatory Evacuation Order on Scott Road has been changed to advisory.
Road Closures
Highway 70 is now open and under homes along it are under an advisory evacuation.
Forest Closures
A Forest Closure for the Dog Valley area was issued on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest due to the fire’s southern spread.
Closures: Highway 70 is now open but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure. Hwy 395 is reopened. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slowly with headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.
August 17, 2020 at 1:06 PM
August 17, 2020 at 6:51 AM
The Loyalton Fire originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith and is burning north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction. The fire is now estimated at 36,295 acres and 5% contained.
As of 5:25am on August 17, 2020:
Mandatory evacuation from Red Rock Road south to Highway 70 has been lifted.
A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Red Rock Road (California) and Hwy 395 to the State line.
A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents on Scott Road on the north side of Hwy 70.
A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Hwy 49 and 70 east to Hwy 70.
Effective immediately, Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, Bordertown and Copperfield.
Evacuation Advisory
The north side of Hwy 70 and the east side of Hwy 395.
Cold Springs
Road Closures
Highway 70 is now open and under and advisory evacuation.
August 16, 2020 at 9:38 PM
Evacuations:
• Mandatory Evacuation has been changed to an Advisory Evacuation Order for the residents of Cold Springs.
• Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents on Scott Road.
• Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Hwy 49 and 70 east to Hwy 70 and Hwy 395. Hwy 395 south to the state line. This encompasses everything south of Hwy 70 and west of 395.
• Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for Balls Canyon, Long Valley Rd., Border Town, Copper Field and Cold Springs.
• Evacuation Advisory issued for the area of Hwy 70 & Hwy 49 south to Loyalton, and to the east side of Hwy 49.
• People need to leave the evacuation area. Please be courteous to your neighbors and use caution due to first responders in the area. Evacuees needing shelter should call the Lassen County Emergency Shelter number (530)250-9088.
• People with special needs who will need help evacuating should call (530)257-6121 and let Lassen County Sheriff’s Office know what assistance you will need. Deputies are going door to door in the area to notify residents.
Due the Loyalton Fire burning into Dog and Long Valleys, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has closed all National Forest System lands in these areas to the public.
“With the extreme fire weather and dry vegetation, the fire behavior has been very erratic,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “We are asking the public to comply with this closure and stay out of the area, so we can focus on suppressing the fire.”
All areas, campgrounds, trails, and roads on the Carson Ranger District west of the Peavine ridgeline from the intersection of Peavine Road and North Virginia Street downtown to Verdi, California are closed to public access
This closure will remain in effect until the Forest Service determines the area is again safe for the public. People who are found guilty of violating this closure order could receive a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months in jail or both.
August 16, 2020 at 9:04 PM
TNF Update:
Today, the Loyalton Fire exhibited extreme fire behavior with wind driven runs and long rang spotting contributing to the rapid rate of spread. Thunderstorms over the fire area caused gusty and erratic wind gusts in all directions. The fire continues to burn in timber, sagebrush and tall grasses.
With the support of multiple helicopters and air tankers, firefighters worked tirelessly to slow the progression of the fire and protect structures, when and where safe to do so. Numerous evacuations happened throughout the day due to the extreme fire behavior and erratic winds pushing the fire towards communities. Firefighters will continue to battle the fire throughout the night.
At this time, the nation is experiencing a high level of fire activity and fire resources are being stretched thin to cover all the active fires. Many resources have been ordered and are expected to arrive over the next couple days.
Weather: The area remains under an extreme heat warning along with a Fire Weather Watch. Tonight, isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected until 9pm. Winds are predicted out of the southwest at 8-14mph, gusting to 27mph. Dense haze and smoke is expected through Monday evening. More isolated showers and thunderstorms are predicted tomorrow afternoon.
Road closures:
Closures: Highway 70 is now open but under advisory as fire activity could warrant another closure. Hwy 395 is reopened. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slowly with headlights on and yield to emergency personnel.
August 16, 2020 at 7:37 PM
Fire exhibited rapid rate of spread with wind-driven runs in the southeast corner of the fire. Erratic winds from cumulus buildup pushed fire east-southeast towards Hwy 395 and Bordertown. Gusty and erratic wind gusts were predicted to be in the mid-teens with changing directions. Long range spotting contributed to fire spread. Rate of spread increased as fire transitioned from timber to sage/grass fuel types.
August 16, 2020 at 6:24 PM
The fire is now estimated at 29,829 acres and 0% contained.
Loyalton Fire Evacuation Orders-August 16, 2020 Update
Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Red Rock Road (California) and Hwy 395 to the State line.
Effective immediately, Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents on Scott Road on the north side of Hwy 70.
Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Hwy 49 and 70 east to Hwy 70 and Hwy 395. Hwy 395 south to the state line. This encompasses everything south of Hwy 70 and west of 395.
Effective immediately, Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for Balls Canyon Road, Long Valley Road, Bordertown and Copperfield. Bordertown/Cold Springs are limited to the west of 395.
Evacuation Advisory
Effective immediately, an Evacuation Advisory has been issued for the north side of Hwy 70 and the east side of Hwy 395.
August 16, 2020 at 4:33 PM
Hwy 70 is open at this time.
August 16, 2020 at 12:30 PM
August 16, 2020 at 11:38 AM
Mandatory Evacuation for Balls Canyon Road, in addition, MANDATORY EVACUATION for Long Valley Road, Bordertown, Copperfield.
August 16, 2020 at 10:32 AM
Tahoe National Forest update:
The Loyalton Fire originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith and is burning north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction. The fire is burning in timber, sagebrush and tall grass.
Ground resources made positive progress yesterday afternoon backed by multiple helicopters and air tankers dropping water and retardant. The Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) made numerous drops in the early evening. VLAT’s are converted DC-10’s or 747’s that supply nearly 20,000 gallons of retardant per drop. Air resources will continue support today as conditions allow.
The Loyalton Fire displayed active behavior throughout the night. Firefighters worked through the night extinguishing spot fires outside the current fire perimeter and protecting threatened structures. Extreme fire behavior has been displayed at times, especially when overhead thunderstorm cells cause downdrafts and dangerous fire conditions.
Red Flag Warnings are in place throughout the immediate area today due to thunderstorms, strong outflow winds, and dry vegetation.
Evacuations: Effective immediately, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office has issued Evacuation Orders for the following areas:
- Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Red Rock Road and Hwy 395 to the State line.
- Effective immediately, Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents on Scott Road on the north side of Hwy 70.
- Effective immediately, a Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for residents from the intersection of Hwy 49 and 70 east to Hwy 70 and Hwy 395. Hwy 395 south to the state line. This encompasses everything south of Hwy 70 and west of 395.
- Effective immediately, an Evacuation Advisory has been issued for the north side of Hwy 70 and the east side of Hwy 395.
- People need to leave the evacuation area. Please be courteous to your neighbors and use caution due to first responders in the area. Evacuees needing shelter should call the Lassen County Emergency Shelter number (530)250-9088.
- People with special needs who will need help evacuating should call (530)257-6121 and let Lassen County Sheriff’s Office know what assistance you will need. Deputies are going door to door in the area to notify residents.
Closures: Highway 70 closed from Highway 49 to Highway 395. Hwy 395 is currently open to one-way and/or escorted traffic in the Hallelujah Junction/Stateline. Be advised to consider alternative travel routes. Please drive slow, use headlights, and yield to emergency personnel.
August 16, 2020 at 7:44 AM
The fire burned actively overnight, mainly moving both North and West toward the communities of Loyalton, Chilcoot and Vinton. Structures remain threatened with Evacuation Orders in place.
August 16, 2020 at 7:35 AM
August 15, 2020 at 11:33 PM
Projected Incident Activity: Fire will continue to spread north, northeast and east under the current wind pattern. The west flank will continue to back into wind and downhill. Possible erratic winds could be generated for thunderstorm outflows causing spread in all directions.
Area is currently under an extreme heat warning along with a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms, gusty outflow winds and possible dry lightning. Strong SW-W winds and unstable atmospheric conditions contributed to extreme ROS and fire behavior.
August 15, 2020 at 7:26 PM
August 15, 2020 at 7:15 PM
August 15, 2020 at 6:31 PM
August 15, 2020 at 6:11 PM
August 15, 2020 at 5:43 PM
August 15, 2020 at 5:07 PM
Extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread, posing containment issues.
Highway 70 closed from Highway 49 to Highway 395. Hwy 395 is closed from hallelujah junction to Border Town.
There are mandatory evacuations in portions of Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra County:
Mandatory evacuation Chilcoot, south of Highway 70
Mandatory evacuation Long Valley Road and Scott’s Flat Road south of Highway 70
Mandatory evacuation west of Highway 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Cold Springs
Advisory evacuation in Vinton
Advisory evacuation in Chilcoot, north of Highway 70
Advisory evacuation east of 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Cold Springs
August 15, 2020 at 3:24 PM
August 15, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Structures are threatened with Evacuation Orders issued for the Long Valley area. Highway 70 is closed in the fire area. California Type 2, Team 10 (Dalrymple) is scheduled to inbrief today.
August 15, 2020 at 2:42 PM Tornado Warning for Southeastern Lassen County in northern California
- Until 330 PM PDT.
- At 228 PM PDT, a pyrocumulonimbus from the Loyalton Wildfire is capable of producing a fire induced tornado and outflow winds in excess of 60 mph was located south of Chilcoot, and is nearly stationary.
HAZARD…Tornado.
SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT…Extreme fire behavior with strong outflow winds capable of downing trees and starting new fires. This is and extremely dangerous situation for fire fighters.
- This tornadic pyrocumulonimbus will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Lassen County in the vicinity of the fire.
August 15, 2020 at 1:30 PM
Increasing activity on the fire, there is still no threat to structures and no closures due to the remoteness of the fire.
August 15, 2020 at 12:35 PM
TNF update: The Loyalton fire is currently burning east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith. Burning in sage, grass, and juniper. Active fire behavior is expected today as temperatures rise. A smoke column will be visible throughout the Sierra Valley and North Reno.
Resources assigned:
Hand Crews: 10
Engines: 17
Aircraft: 6
Water Tenders: 1
Bulldozers & Masticators: 8
Air Tankers: 4
August 15, 2020 at 11:08 AM
Numerous air resources are assigned to the fire to assist the 300+ firefighters on the ground.
The fire is burning in a very remote area in brush and sparse timber. At this time, there is no threat to structures.
Overnight, firefighters constructed dozer line on the west flank of the fire. The fire is expected to remain very active throughout the operational period and the smoke plume will be widely seen from the Truckee and Reno areas.
A Type 2 Incident Management has been assigned and will inbrief later today.
August 15, 2020 at 9:26 AM
Fire continued spreading to the east overnight. Further spread to the east could have future impacts to the structures in the Long Valley area and community of Bordertown.
August 14, 2020 at 9:35 PM
Burning in grass and brush at a rapid rate of spread with significant augmentation of air (tomorrow morning) and ground resources. No immediate threat to structures.
