Gold Complex (Mill and Smith fires) Plumas National Forest

Gold Complex, Plumas NF, USFS. Four miles northwest of Portola, CA. Timber, brush and closed timber litter. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering.

August 4, 2024 at 2:03 PM

This is the final update until there is a significant change.  All fires in the Gold Complex will be 100 percent contained at 6 p.m. today. Today the Gold Complex will transition from the Plumas National Forest Type 3 Incident Management Team to a local Type 4 organization at 6 p.m. “I would like to thank our local communities for their support, cooperation and understanding as we work on fighting the fires in the Gold Complex,” said Incident Commander Don Fregulia.  “We ask for continued support as wildland firefighters work towards full control of the fires.”

As resources are increasingly released from the Gold Complex, area residents and visitors are asked to watch for increased firefighter traffic on area roads and highways, as well as resources continuing to travel to the Gold Complex fire area. Closure orders are still in effect on the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests in the area southeast of the junction of California Highways 70 and 89 to the Tahoe Forest boundary west of County Road A 23. Area residents and visitors should avoid the fire area.  There are still actively burning fuels within the containment lines and other hazards following the fires.

August 3, 2024 at 5:26 PM At 520 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the Mill Fire (Gold Complex) scar will result in debris flow through the area. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include… Whitehawk, Valley Ranch, Iron Horse, Clio, C-Road and Ca 89 At Sierra-Plumas Co Line.

August 3, 2024 at 11:55 AM

• A Type 3 Incident Management Team from the Plumas National Forest is in command of the incident. If conditions remain the same, the incident will transition to a local Type 4 organization tomorrow night.
• With predicted thunderstorms and lightning today and tonight, wildland firefighting resources on the incident are prepared to support local initial attack if needed.
• Closure orders are still in effect on the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests in the area southeast of the junction of California Highways 70 and 89 to the Tahoe Forest boundary west of County Road A 23.

Operational Update

Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is in patrol status and there is a continued firefighter presence in the area. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior, especially during the afternoons and evenings.
Mill Fire: Firefighters are continuing to work on mop up, suppression repair and patrol. Backhaul of supplies is continuing. There are pockets of interior burning which may become more visible with increased smoke.

Weather

The forecast for today is scattered showers and thunderstorms over the area with high temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s. Hot and dry weather is expected to resume tomorrow and continue into next week.

Wildland Fire Prevention

The Plumas National Forest is currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and the Tahoe National Forest is now in Stage 3 Fire Restrictions. Be familiar with the restrictions for the national forest you are planning to recreate on. If you are in an area on the Plumas National Forest where you can have a campfire, make sure it is dead-out and cold to the touch.

Be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire. Report suspected wildfires by calling 911.

August 1, 2024 at 1:35 PM

• A Type 3 Incident Management Team from the Plumas National Forest is in command of the incident.
• For both fires, area residents and visitors are advised to watch for wildland firefighter traffic entering and exiting roads near the fire area. Please reduce speed and use caution around fire equipment.
• Closure orders are still in effect on the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests in the area southeast of the junction of California Highways 70 and 89 to the Tahoe Forest boundary west of County Road A 23.
• Recreation sites at Lake Davis and in the Lakes Basin are open this weekend. Smoke impacts to the recreation areas are primarily from the Park Fire and expected to be reduced as winds shift.

Operational Update

Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is in patrol status and there is a continued firefighter presence in the area. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior, especially during the afternoons and evenings.

Mill Fire: Firefighters are continuing to work on mop up, suppression repair and patrol. Some areas were identified yesterday that need more work, which is the priority today. Backhaul of supplies is also continuing. There are pockets of interior burning which may become more visible with increased smoke.

Weather

Hot temperatures are expected to continue today through the end of this week, with high temperatures forecasted to be in the upper 80s to low 90s. Smoke from the Park Fire is still impacting air quality and visibility, especially this morning. There is a chance for thunderstorms and lightning starting Friday evening and continuing through the weekend.

July 31, 2024 at 12:30 PM

• California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 has transitioned off the Gold Complex.  Thank you for your work on this incident over the past week!
• A Type 3 Incident Management Team from the Plumas National Forest has taken command of the incident this morning.

Operational Update

Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is 100 percent contained. Firefighters are continuing patrol in the area.  Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior, especially during the afternoons and evenings as hot weather returns.  

Mill Fire: Firefighters are continuing to work on mop up and suppression repair work.  Backhaul of supplies is also continuing.  Similar to the Smith Fire, there are pockets of interior burning which may become more visible along with increased smoke as hot weather returns.

Weather

Hot temperatures are returning today and are expected to persist through the end of this week.  High temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s to low 90s.  Winds are expected to be light this morning, with west winds developing in the afternoon, with ridges predicted to have gusts to 12 mph.  Smoke from the Park Fire is impacting air quality and visibility, especially this morning.  The extended forecast has a chance for thunderstorms and lightning starting Friday evening and continuing through the weekend.

July 30, 2024 at 8:21 AM

California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 will be transitioning the Gold Complex to a type 3 incident management team from the Plumas National Forest. The new team will take command tomorrow morning.

Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is 100 percent contained. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior and firefighters will continue to patrol the area.

Mill Fire: Firefighters have nearly completed mop-up on the Mill Fire, having reached 98% containment over the last two days. Today, containment efforts will be focused on the eastern flank of the fire, where a few small sections of line have yet to be mopped up to 100 feet interior. Suppression repair and backhaul will also continue today.

Weather

The spree of cooler and more moderate weather conditions over the last five days comes to an end today with steadily increasing temperatures, lower overnight humidity recoveries and generally dryer conditions. Winds today will be lighter than the last few days, with gusts to 10 mph out of the southwest.

July 29, 2024 at 7:16 AM

Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is 100 percent contained. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior and firefighters will continue to patrol the area.

Mill Fire: Firefighters have nearly completed mop-up on the Mill Fire, reaching 98 percent containment yesterday by knocking down more heat and smoke within 100 feet of the fire’s perimeter. Today, mop-up will continue alongside backhaul operations to remove equipment like hoses, trash and others supplies. Operations to repair dozer lines will also continue around the fire’s edge to reduce suppression impacts and the potential for erosion.

Weather

Cooler temperatures and moderate humidities are coming to an end over the next two days, as another spree of hot weather will bring temperatures in the 80s and 90s later this week, in addition to lower humidity recoveries and generally dryer conditions. Smoke could remain aloft over the fire area today, which may reduce impacts to air quality.

July 28, 2024 at 7:32 AM

• As of today, the only evacuation order remaining is a mandatory order for PLU-113, which is the area directly adjacent to the Mill Fire’s perimeter. No residents are impacted by these evacuations. Fire managers are working with the Sheriff to adjust down to the fires perimeter. For specific evacuation information, please visit: facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Operational Update
Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is 100 percent contained. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible far interior and firefighters will continue to patrol the area. 

Mill Fire: Crews made significant gains in containment of the Mill Fire over the last 24 hours with continued mop-up efforts that ensured there is no isolated heat within 100 feet of the fire line. Suppression repair will begin over a portion of the fire area today, focusing largely on repairing dozer lines and reducing the potential for erosion in areas that have been disturbed by suppression activities. Mop-up will continue in areas that have not yet been sufficiently contained, while patrol will also continue to make sure no heat or smokes pop up near the line.

Weather

A cooling trend is expected to continue through Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to be in the high 70s and low 80s for the next three days. Better overnight humidities are anticipated to stick around through the next few evenings, while the smoke from the Park Fire has had a notable moderating effect on weather over the last two days.

July 27, 2024 at 8:00 AM

Operational Update
Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is at 100% contained. This does not mean that the fire is out. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible in the far interior and crews will continue to patrol the area. 

Mill Fire: Crews continued to mop-up, patrol and strengthen containment on the Mill Fire over the last 24 hours to ensure there are no hot spots or smokes that have potential to threaten existing fire lines. Mopping up is critical to bringing containment numbers up, and crews today will continue to work towards 100 percent containment with the help of resources that are patrolling the fire’s edge to look for any additional heat or smoke.

Weather

A cooling trend is expected to continue through Monday, with temperatures predicted to be roughly 10 degrees cooler tomorrow. Better overnight humidities are anticipated to stick around through the next few evenings.

July 26, 2024 at 8:02 PM

The Mill Fire is currently 2,962 acres and 20 percent contained. The Smith Fire is currently 45 acres and 100 percent contained.

Headlines

• As of today, no evacuation orders remain. For specific evacuation information, please visit: facebook.com/plumascountysheriff or facebook.com/sierracosheriff
• Join us for another Ask-the-Incident Commander meeting TOMORROW (technology permitting, July 27, at 2 p.m. onfacebook.com/USFSPlumas

Operational Update
Smith Fire: The Smith Fire is at 100% contained. This does not mean that the fire is out. Some isolated smokes may occasionally be visible far interior, and crews will continue to patrol the area. 

Mill Fire: The Mill Fire is also continuing to show reduced heat. Crews continue to strengthen direct line and mop up around previous spot fires. Mopping up is a critical piece of firefighting, and can include “cold-trailing,” where firefighters remove their gloves and feel through the dirt with their hands to ensure that absolutely no heat remains that could rekindle. Managers continue to patrol by air and with infrared and are able to pinpoint specific areas of potential heat. If any hot spots are detected, they can then direct crews to extinguish them.

Weather

A cooling trend is expected to continue into the weekend, with temperatures predicted to be roughly 10 degrees cooler tomorrow. Better overnight fuel recoveries are anticipated to arrive with this cooling trend.

July 26, 2024 at 7:04 AM

Containment: Mill 10%; Smith 60%

Smith Fire: Infrared mapping is showing very little heat remaining, and crews will continue today to patrol and mop up any heat sources that could threaten containment.

Mill Fire: The Mill Fire is also showing reduced heat. Infrared mapping showed some minor lingering heat northeast of Whitehawk and crews will focus on that today. Other priorities include completing contingency lines that were put in to protect communities and energy infrastructure and backhauling any unused equipment and trash. Areas of heat remain inside containment lines and area residents and visitors can expect to see isolated smokes in the coming days.

Weather

Dry weather with a gradual cooling trend is expected today. Winds are predicted to increase around the fire area in the afternoon, but not to critical levels.

July 25, 2024 at 6:50 PM

As of tonight, some evacuations have been downgraded. For specific evacuation information, please visit: facebook.com/plumascountysheriff or facebook.com/sierracosheriff

Operational update

Smith Fire: Line around the Smith Fire held through the day. Only two areas of heat remain within the fire interior, and crews and aircraft are working to mop those up today.

Mill Fire: The Mill Fire containment lines have also continued to hold, despite high winds which persisted through the afternoon. During a reconnaissance flight today, fire staff noted several large burning snags which were near containment lines. Crews and aircraft are continuing to work through those areas into the evening to ensure that the fire does not spot outside its current perimeter. There are still unburned areas of vegetation well interior to containment lines, and residents and visitors in the area can expect to see smoke as those ignite and burn.

Weather: Cooler weather is expected to persist into the weekend.

July 25, 2024 at 7:23 AM

Smith Fire: Line around the Smith Fire held again overnight. Crews will remain on the fire today to ensure that winds do not affect containment. There is a 5% containment on the Smith Fire.

Mill Fire:  The Mill Fire containment lines have also continued to hold. However, embers and burning snags from still-active areas interior to lines continue to challenge firefighters and are of special concern today with increased winds.  There are still unburned pockets of vegetation inside containment lines, and residents and visitors to the area can expect to see fire activity increase as those interior areas continue to ignite and burn. Today, crews will work to find and extinguish those areas and to strengthen lines around the fire.

Weather
Slightly cooler weather is likely to persist into the weekend. Wind speeds are anticipated to increase today, with gusts up to 30 m.p.h. possible.

July 24, 2024 at 6:55 PM

The Mill Fire is currently 2,951 acres and the Smith Fire is currently 56 acres with no containment for either fire at this time.

Smith Fire: Line around the Smith Fire held today. Crews are keeping a close eye on hot spots near the line that could threaten containment and continued to mop up to the extent possible.

Mill Fire: Crews again made excellent progress today and the Mill Fire has been almost completely lined. However, there are still numerous hot spots, burning snags, and other hazards near the fire lines that could threaten containment and spot fires are possible. Crews continued to work on mitigating those hazards today, but there is still considerable work to be done. In addition, wind speeds are expected to increase tomorrow, with the possibility of gusts up to 30 m.p.h. These winds could threaten containment, so work continues to strengthen lines and to build contingency lines in case of an increase in fire behavior tomorrow.

Crews are on 24-hour shifts around structures and critical powerlines. Engines remain pre-positioned in neighborhoods and dozers will continue to build and reinforce lines overnight. In addition, crews are still utilizing helicopters with night-flying water-dropping capabilities to aid firefighting efforts on the ground.

Weather
While temperatures are expected to cool over the next few days, both increased winds and lower relative humidities are expected to persist into the weekend.

July 24, 2024 at 5:42 PM

Due to firefighting efforts, the following zone(s) have been reduced from an order to a warning status. PLU-074-A. This area includes the area north of Delleker. This is the area of the fire originally named the Smith Fire.

July 24, 2024 at 9:47 AM

Acreage: Mill: 2,802 Smith: 56

California Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 10 (CCIIMT) took command of the Gold Complex (Smith and Mill Fires) at 0600 on June 24, 2024.

Operational update
Smith Fire: Line around the Smith Fire held overnight, and crews will focus today on improving those lines and holding them through today’s predicted stronger winds.

Mill Fire: Aggressive 24-hour suppression activities continued, with crews focusing on building dozer and handline to protect structures and critical power lines. Night-capable helicopters were utilized overnight to help cool spot fires. As of this morning, much of the fire has line around it. However, these lines need considerable improvement and work before the fire will be considered contained. Winds are anticipated to test lines today, and evacuations are expected to be held through the day.

Engines will be pre-positioned around buildings in the communities of Gold Mountain and Portola throughout the day in case structures become threatened. A considerable influx of resources arrived to the fire this morning.

Weather
A cooling trend is anticipated to begin today and is expected to persist through the weekend. A chance of thunderstorms remains across the fire area, with gusty, erratic winds which can cause unpredictable fire spread. Typical afternoon winds on Wednesday are expected to increase, with gusts up to 30 mph expected. Temperatures are expected to remain above 90 degrees, with minimum relative humidities between 27 and 32 percent.

July 24, 2024 at 8:34 AM

The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Public Health Departments of Plumas County and Sierra counties are issuing a Joint Air Quality Health Advisory due to smoke impacts from the Gold Complex (Mill Fires) South of Portola, near the Mohawk and Whitehawk communities.

Due to the Southwest winds today and tomorrow, smoke will impact areas Northeast of the Gold Complex Fire impacting Portola, Beckworth and Chilcoot. Expect smoke impacts to be worse early morning, clearing mid to late afternoon and worsening throughout the night. Areas north of the fire can expect Moderate to Unhealthy air quality throughout the day.

July 24, 2024 at 7:14 AM

For those following along here are the division breaks.

July 23, 2024 at 9:05 PM

Plumas NF evening update:

Today firefighters have continued to make progress on the lightning fires in the Gold Complex on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District and Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District.

The Mill Fire, located near Whitehawk Ranch, is estimated to be approximately 2,300 acres this evening.  All three fires are now merged into one.  While most of the fire is on the Beckwourth Ranger District, a small portion is burning on the Sierraville Ranger District.

Firefighters made good progress today along the north side of the fire.  This area is the top priority for community protection, with structures at the greatest risk.  Work will continue tonight. 

The Smith Fire, burning north of California State Highway 70 between Smith Peak and Maybe, is holding at approximately 50 acres.  Today firefighters secured the fireline and are working on mop-up.

There is not estimated containment for the Mill or Smith fires tonight.

For both fires, cooler temperatures are expected overnight.  Tomorrow’s forecasts include strong winds and a chance of thunderstorms which have potential to increase fire behavior and spotting outside of firelines.

There are structures threatened by all four fires, including the communities of Whitehawk Ranch, Clio, Gold Mountain, Delleker, Lake Davis Area and the south and west sides of Portola.  Lake Davis Recreation Area has been evacuated.  The public is asked to stay out of the area in and around the fires for public and firefighter safety. 

Both the Plumas and Tahoe national forests implemented closure orders today for National Forest System lands north and east of California State Highway 89, South of State Highway 70 and east of County Road A23. 

These closures are for public and firefighter safety due to active fire behavior and as wildland firefighting operations continue.  They are referenced as Plumas National Forest Order 05-11-01-24-02 and Tahoe National Forest Order 17-24-15.

Evacuations remain in place and could increase depending on fire growth and behavior.

July 23, 2024 at 8:44 PM

All aircraft is off the fire for now. Night-flight capable helicopter will be available tonight. Air Attack 17 is leaving for Grass Valley. 500 people are evacuated as of tonight and another 100 are sheltering in place.

July 23, 2024 at 7:11 PM

New heat perimeter shows the Mill fires at 2,859 acres.

July 23, 2024 at 6:58 PM

Extreme fire behavior reported with group torching and short crown runs. Complex is comprised of 2 fires (Mill: 2,019 acres and Smith: 48 acres). There is a continued threat to Portola and surrounding communities. Evacuation Orders and Warnings in effect. Highway 89 and County Rd. A15 are closed. CICIMT 10 (Mack) ordered with a planned in-brief at 1800 tonight.

July 23, 2024 at 4:26 PM

The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Warning for the Grizzly Rd area from Highway 70 to Lake Davis. Zones PLU-075, PLU-077, PLU-078, PLU-079.

July 23, 2024 at 3:46 PM

The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Public Health Departments of Plumas County and Sierra counties are issuing a Joint Air Quality Health Advisory due to smoke impacts from the Gold Complex (Mill Fires) South of Portola, near the Mohawk community. Smoke impacts from the fire today could result in poor air quality conditions late night into the early morning, until midday. Expect Moderate to Unhealthy throughout the day. Due to the South winds today and tomorrow, smoke will impact areas North of the Gold Complex Fire impacting Portola, Quincy and Chester. Expect smoke impacts to be worse early morning and throughout the night.

July 23, 2024 at 3:38 PM

Fire is exhibiting medium and long-range spotting, increased activity on all flanks.

July 23, 2024 at 1:57 PM

An Evacuation Warning has been issued for the area of north Portola and east to Beckwourth-Calpine Road. Zones POR-002, POR-003, POR-005, and PLU-101.

An Evacuation Order has been issued for the area of south Portola and east to Beckwourth-Calpine Road. Zones POR-006, POR-004, and PLU-100.

Evacuate north over the Gulling Street Bridge.

July 23, 2024 at 1:52 PM

Fire activity has noticeably increased. Tankers continue to lay down retardant lines to slow the progression of the fire. Gold complex fire view from Sierra Buttes trail today. Photo courtesy reader Kate.

July 23, 2024 at 11:57 AM

Plumas NF update

Firefighters are continuing to work on initial attack and suppression of yesterday’s lightning fires ignited on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District.  The fires make up the Gold Complex.

The Mill Fire, located near Whitehawk Ranch, is estimated to be more than 1,600 acres this morning and the main fire has merged with one of the smaller Mill fires.  The remaining smaller Mill fire may also merge with the larger fire.  Generally the fires have been moving mostly from the west to the east.

Firefighters made good progress last night on getting some fireline in place.  Work on establishing the fireline is continuing today. 

The Smith Fire, burning north of California State Highway 70 between Smith Peak and Maybe, is holding at approximately 50 acres.

The fire is lined and has a hoselay around it.  Firefighters are working on further securing the fireline and on mop-up.

For all of the fires, predicted hot and breezy weather today may increase fire behavior and spotting outside of firelines.

There are structures threatened by all four fires, including the communities of Whitehawk Ranch, Clio, Gold Mountain, Delleker, Lake Davis Area and the south and west sides of Portola.  Lake Davis Recreation Area has been evacuated.  The public is asked to stay out of the area in and around the fires for public and firefighter safety. 

Evacuations remain in place and could increase depending on fire growth and behavior.

Plumas County Sheriff is responsible for evacuations and is sharing information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Plumas County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated.  An evacuation shelter is open at Quincy High School.  Animals can be evacuated to the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in East Quincy.

Multiple engines, firefighting crews, dozers and aircraft are fighting the fires with more resources on order, including from Cal Fire and other agencies. 

Cal Fire surged resources to the incident including three night flying helicopters with two making water bucket drops, engines, dozers, firefighting crews and overhead fire leadership.  Local fire departments are also assisting with the fire.

An incident management team is expected to arrive in the area this evening for in-briefing and take command of the fire tomorrow morning.

“We are shifting early this afternoon from initial attack to extended attack, with continued focus on community and structure protection,” said Plumas National Forest Division Chief Martin Senter.  “Wildland firefighters are making some great progress, but there is a lot of work needed to fully contain and control these fires.  We appreciate the work of not only the firefighters, but the emergency responders and partner agencies supporting this incident and our local communities.”

Residents in the affected communities are asked to help by being aware, complying with evacuation orders and allowing firefighters to focus on fire suppression and community protection.

A thunderstorm around 2 p.m. yesterday resulted in four dry lightning strikes outside the rain core of the storm.  The first fire was reported around 2:45 p.m.  All four fires grew rapidly due to winds, terrain and dry fuel conditions that carried fire quickly.

July 23, 2024 at 9:22 AM

Air Attack arriving over the fire, The nightly inversion had smoke settled in the drainages. With the lifting of the inversion, tankers and helicopters will be able to support ground resources.

July 23, 2024 at 8:35 AM

Order has been placed for Incident Management Team CICIMT 10. Continued rapid rate of spread reported. The communities of Portola, Delleker, Mabie, Clio and surrounding areas are threatened.

July 23, 2024 at 6:10 AM

The fires were mapped at 1,638 acres at 2 am.

July 22, 2024 at 10:10 PM

Plumas County Sheriff’s update:

Shelter: A shelter has been opened at the Quincy High School located at 6 Quincy Junction Road in Quincy, CA.

Animal Shelter: Animals can be taken to the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds for shelter.

Evacuated areas are being patrolled by local and out of area law enforcement officers to ensure the safety and security of the evacuated areas. If you decided to stay in an evacuated area, please do not drive around and explore the area.

If you are not signed up for Plumas Genasys alerts, please do so! Fire season is among us and we want you to be prepared!

Sign up at plumasalerts.genasys.com/portal/en

July 22, 2024 at 8:59 PM

Strike team from the Tahoe National Forest forming up and heading to the Gold Complex.

July 22, 2024 at 8:30 PM

Continued rapid rate of spread and spotting ahead of the fire. The communities of Portola, Delleker, Mabie, Clio and surrounding areas are threatened. Evacuation Orders and Warnings have been issued. Highway 89 and County Rd. A15 is closed in the fire area. The fires have been mapped at 1,288 acres. Plumas County – Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is active as of 5 p.m. Shelter is open at Quincy High School. Animals evacuate to the Fairgrounds.

July 22, 2024 at 7:29 PM

The three Mill Fires and the Smith Fire will be managed as the Gold Complex.

July 22, 2024 at 7:06 PM

Plumas National Forest update: A thunderstorm in eastern Plumas County around 2 p.m. today resulted in four dry lightning strikes outside the rain core of the storm than have become wildfires on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District.  The first fire was reported around 2:45 p.m.

The Mill, Mill 2 and Mill 3 fires are currently burning near the community of Whitehawk Ranch.  The Mill Fire is estimated to be approximately 500 acres, while the Mill 2 and Mill 3 fires are each estimated to be approximately 75 acres.

The Smith Fire is currently burning north of California State Highway 70 between Smith Peak and Maybe.  The Fire is estimated to be approximately 50 acres.

For all four fires, they are growing rapidly due to winds, slope and dry fuels.

There are structures threatened by all four fires, including the communities of Whitehawk Ranch, Clio, Gold Mountain, Delleker, Lake Davis Area and the south and west sides of Portola.

Plumas County Sheriff is responsible for evacuations and is sharing information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriff.

Multiple engines, firefighting crews, dozers and aircraft are fighting the fires with more resources on order, including from Cal Fire and other agencies.  An incident management team is being ordered tonight.

All four fires are being combined into the Gold Complex.

“These fires are still in initial attack tonight, with dispatchers focused on ordering additional resources and wildland firefighters working on fighting these fires,” said Acting Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Ryan Bauer.  “Our first priority is public and community safety while fighting the fires. We ask residents in the affected communities to help us by being aware, complying with evacuation orders and allowing us to focus on fire suppression and community protection.”

For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. 

July 22, 2024 at 7:01 PM

The Smith Fire has been mapped at 42 acres

July 22, 2024 at 6:41 PM

Intel 12 has mapped the three Mill fires at 683 acres.

July 22, 2024 at 6:33 PM

Due to the Smith and Mill fire an evacuation WARNING has been issued for the west side of Portola, South side of Portola and everything between Highway 70 and the Feather River from Portola to Maybe. PLU-076, PLU-099, PLU-094, POR-001, POR-004, and POR-006.

July 22, 2024 at 6:13 PM

OES Intel 12 has arrived over the fires and will start mapping.

July 22, 2024 at 6:03 PM

All firefighters on the Plumas NF are in extended staffing, currently assigned to the Mill and Smith fires are BC-14 PNF, E-313 PNF, WT-2 PNF, CH-3 PNF, E-312 PNF, E-631 CHE, E-619 FLX, E-9911 FSM, DZ-3 PNF, MOD 3 , E-323 PNF, E-330 PNF, DIV-3 PNF, E-9906 FSM, BC-15 PNF, E-9901 FSM and numerous TNF and CAL FIRE resources and aircraft.

July 22, 2024 at 6:01 PM

Tankers are reloading out of McClellan, Reno and Grass Valley.

July 22, 2024 at 5:38 PM

Due to worsening conditions for the Mill Fire, the evacuation status for the following zones has been upgraded to an EVACUATION ORDER. The entire county road A-15 area. Plumas Zone PLU-095, PLU-098, PLU-111, and POR-007.
Evacuate west to Quincy High School in Quincy, CA

July 22, 2024 at 5:36 PM

Hwy 89 is closed from Whitehawk to Calpine due to the fires.

July 22, 2024 at 5:33 PM

The Smith Fire (separate fire from the three Mill fires) 20 acres brush and timber, 0% contained with a rapid rate of spread. Structures are threatened with evacuations in progress. The incident is located 1 mile west of Portola. Current weather conditions are 98 degrees, 18% RH, winds out the south @ 4 mph, gusts to 13.

July 22, 2024 at 5:21 PM

Tanker 911 is headed to the Mill Fire. Lead plane 59 is over the fire already.

July 22, 2024 at 5:12 PM

Plumas County SHeriff: Due to a wildfire (MILL FIRE) northeast of Whitehawk Ranch, an evacuation WARNING has been issued for Plumas Zone PLU-095, PLU-098, PLU-100, PLU-111, PLU-112, and POR-007. This is the area of Gold Mountain, County Road A15, Whitehawk, and south of Portola.

July 22, 2024 at 5:07 PM

Two heat exhaustion injuries to firefighters reported.

July 22, 2024 at 4:31 PM Mill fire near Portola: 30 acres grass, 0% contained with a rapid rate of spread. Structures are threatened with evacuations in progress. There are three separate fires in the immediate area. The incident is located 5 miles south of Portola. Current weather conditions are 91 degrees, 23% RH, winds out the SW @ 4 mph, gusts to 18.

July 22, 2024 at 4:16 PM

Thunderstorms have ignited several fires in the high country on the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests. The Mill and Smith fires are on the Plumas National Forest in the vicinity of Portola. A new fire northwest of Webber Lake on the Tahoe is being checked now. This will be the Coppins incident.