Ponderosa, Butte County

Fire at a glance (numbers)

Incident Name:
State:
Lead Agency:
Size (acres):
Percent Contained:
Estimate of Containment:
Personnel:
Structures Destroyed:

Ponderosa, Butte Unit, Cal Fire. Nine miles northeast of Oroville, CA. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior.

September 7, 2017 at 7:54 AM

Firefighters will continue to patrol, mop up and strengthen containment lines. All evacuations orders and warnings have been lifted as well as road closures. When entering the area, please be cautious of emergency equipment and personnel as they are operating in and around the area. Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers as well as the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning sparks and embers.

September 6, 2017 at 9:09 AM

The Local Assistance Center connects residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the Ponderosa Fire with resources needed to recover and rebuild. Residents can come to the Local Assistance Center to learn if their home was damaged by the fire and meet with representative from County departments. Residents should bring any form of identification they have available. A form of identification with a photo and the property address would be ideal if it is available.

Location
Feather Falls Grange, 9 Lumpkin Rd., Feather Falls, CA 95966

Hours of Operation
Thursday, September 7, 2017 – Friday, September 8, 2017, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Services Providers
The following Butte County Departments and Community Based Organizations will have representatives in the Local Assistance Center. Some State agencies may also be available on a limited basis.

Butte County Departments and Offices
• County Assessor – learn about property tax relief for damaged structures.
• Butte County Sheriff’s Office – assisting with notification of damaged homes and providing evacuation and road closure information to help residents go home.
• Development Services Building Division
• Department of Employment and Social Services– assistance replacing lost food for CalFresh recipients, replace lost cards for CalFresh and Medical, as well as Veterans Services.
• Environmental Health Division – wells, septic systems, and hazard materials.

Community Based Organizations
• Red Cross
• Salvation Army

September 5, 2017 at 7:24 AM

Firefighters will continue to patrol, mop up and strengthen containment lines. All evacuations orders and warnings have been lifted as well as road closures.

September 4, 2017 at 6:20 PM

No change in acreage, but containment is up to 72%. Some resources have been released. No structures are threatened.

September 4, 2017 at 7:21 AM

Containment continues to improve in these extreme temperatures due to the aggressive work of the firefighters. All evacuations orders and warnings have been lifted as well as road closures.

When entering the area, please be cautious of emergency equipment and personnel as they are operating in and around the area. Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers as well as the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning sparks and embers.

September 3, 2017 at 6:20 PM

The evacuation order for all areas of the Ponderosa Fire and the Community of Feather Falls (Lumpkin Road, between Ponderosa Way and Feather Falls, and all associated roadways) has been lifted.

The evacuation warning for all areas and residences on Lumpkin Road from Forbestown Road east to Onyett/Kanaka Ranch Road (Grange Hall) has been lifted.

This includes all tributary roads connecting to Lumpkin Road, including: Blackhawk Trail, Bridgeview Circle, Burr Lane, Canfield Drive, Carter Road, Cedar Tree Lane, Chinook Way, Cochise Drive, Craig Access Road, Crystal Ranch Road, Dollar Road, DWR Access Road, Eagle Crest Road, Eagle Point Lane, Echo Ridge Road, Echo Road, Edgehill Drive, Faye Mar Drive, Granite Peak Court, Happy Hollow Lane, Hecker Way, Kanaka Ranch Road, Lake Haven Way, Lakeview Terrace, Mills Ranch Road, Onyett Road, Rocky Point Road, Saint Arlene Way, Springer Road, Toyon Hills Drive, Union Bar Road, and Wojiek.

This cancellation also includes areas south of Enterprise Bridge, St. Arlene Way, and Broken Springs Road.

September 3, 2017 at 6:01 PM

Quick update:

Injuries: 2
Structures Threatened: None
Structures Destroyed: 54
(32 homes & 22 outbuildings)

September 3, 2017 at 4:04 PM

Butte County: Small animal shelter at Del Oro has been closed. Five stray dogs found in the #PonderosaFire are now at the Oroville SPCA: 533-7636

September 3, 2017 at 12:07 PM

The evacuation warning for the following areas have been lifted: The community of Forbestown, south of the South Fork of the Feather River. All residents east of Forbestown Road at the north end of Lower Forbestown Road. All residents north of the intersection of New York Flat Road at Lower Idlewood Circle. All residents north of the intersection of Challenge Cutoff Road at Mt. Hope Road. And all residents west of the intersection of Forbestown Road at Abernathy Road. All other evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

September 3, 2017 at 9:13 AM

The fire is in steep, inaccessible terrain and with 100+ degree temperatures along with down canyon winds forecasted for the next several days are making firefighting efforts challenging. Firefighters continue to strengthen and build containment lines around the fire. The fire is burning in a mix of grass, brush, and timber litter that are extremely dry with short range spotting. Ground crews, with air support, continue to actively engage in suppressing spot fires around the southern perimeter of the incident.

Evacuations:

Evacuation orders are in place for Lumpkin Road at Onyett/Kanaka Ranch Road to CAL FIRE Station 51, including the community of Feather Falls.

Evacuation warnings are in place for the community of Forbestown, south of the South Fork of the Feather River. All residents east of Forbestown Road at the north end of Lower Forbestown Road. All residents north of the intersection of New York Flat Road at Lower Idlewood Circle. All residents north of the intersection of Challenge Cutoff Road at Mt. Hope Road. And all residents west of the intersection of Forbestown Road at Abernathy Road. All areas and residences on Lumpkin Road from Forbestown Road east to Onyett/Kanaka Ranch Road (Grange Hall).

September 3, 2017 at 9:06 AM

Butte County along with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office will open a Fire Notification Center for residents impacted by the Ponderosa Fire. Residents who wish to verify if they have lost their home may receive notification and information regarding local resources to assist them in their recovery efforts.

Case Managers from the American Red Cross will be present to provide case management support.

Location:
202 Mira Loma Drive in Oroville, at the Department of Employment and Social Services/Public Health Administration building.

Hours of Operation:

Sunday, September 3rd: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday, September 4th: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Partnering Agencies:
Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Employment and Social Services, and the American Red Cross

September 2, 2017 at 6:40 PM

The steep, rugged terrain paired with the hot and dry temperatures make firefighting efforts challenging. Firefighters continue to reinforce and build containment lines around the fire. The fire is burning in a mix of grass, brush, and timber litter that are extremely dry with short range spotting. Ground crews, with air support, continue to actively engage in suppressing spot fires around the southern perimeter of the incident.

September 2, 2017 at 6:14 PM

As of 6 pm the 3,880-acre fire is 51% contained.

Structures Threatened: 1,300 (500 homes & 800 outbuildings)
Structures Destroyed: 46 (32 homes & 14 outbuildings)
Structures Damaged: 1 (1 outbuilding)

September 2, 2017 at 12:15 PM

EVACUATION ORDER REDUCED TO WARNING

All areas and residences on Lumpkin Road from Forbestown Road east to Onyett/Kanaka Ranch Road (Grange Hall).

When entering the evacuation warning area, please be cautious of emergency equipment and personnel as they are operating in and around the area. Please follow all posted speed limits.

When picking up animals from a shelter, please have your pink intake form and a photo ID.

Upon returning home make sure you have food, water, and proper containment for your animals. High temperatures and fire damage can cause normal household items to become hazardous to you and your animals. Make sure your property is safe before returning home.

Reminder: An evacuation warning alerts people in an affected area of potential threat to life and property. People who need additional time should consider evacuating at this time. An evacuation warning considers the probability that an area will be affected and prepares people for a potential immediate evacuation order.

September 2, 2017 at 7:32 AM

Tentative containment date is Sept. 10, 2017. Ground crews, with air support, continue to actively engage in suppressing spot fires around the southern perimeter of the incident.

September 1, 2017 at 6:24 PM

Evacuation orders are in place for Lumpkin Road from Forbestown Road to CAL FIRE Station 51, including the community of Feather Falls.
Evacuation warnings are in place for the community of Forbestown, south of the South Fork of the Feather River. All residents east of Forbestown Road at the north end of Lower Forbestown Road. All residents north of the intersection of New York Flat Road at Lower Idlewood Circle. All residents north of the intersection of Challenge Cutoff Road at Mt. Hope Road. And all residents west of the intersection of Forbestown Road at Abernathy Road.

September 1, 2017 at 6:17 PM

Structures Threatened: 1,300
(500 homes & 800 outbuildings)

Structures Destroyed: 44
(30 homes & 14 outbuildings)

Structures Damaged: 1
(1 outbuilding)

September 1, 2017 at 4:29 PM

Per Butte County: CalWorks families who lost their home due to the Ponderosa Fire may be eligible for assistance in securing new housing: call 877-410-8803. Fire Notification Center will be located at 202 Mira Loma Drive in Oroville. Open tomorrow from 10 am to 4 pm.

September 1, 2017 at 4:14 PM

Two VLATs are being dispatched to the fire due to the increased activity. Fire behavior is very active and erratic.

September 1, 2017 at 2:51 PM

Erratic winds on the Ponderosa Fire. Ash fall is possible as far south as Nevada County in the late afternoon.

September 1, 2017 at 1:43 PM

Evacuation Warning for the Forbestown Community of Butte and Yuba Counties. An evacuation warning has been issued for the community of Forbestown, south of the South Fork of the Feather River.

• All residents east of Forbestown Road at the north end of Lower Forbestown Road.
• All residents north of the intersection of New York Flat Road at Lower Idlewood Circle.
• All residents north of the intersection of Challenge Cutoff Road at Mt. Hope Road.
• And all residents west of the intersection of Forbestown Road at Abernathy Road.

An evacuation warning alerts people in an affected area of potential threat to life and property. People who need additional time should consider evacuating at this time. An evacuation warning considers the probability that an area will be affected and prepares people for a potential immediate evacuation order. Please make arrangements for your animals at this time. If you do not have transportation, make arrangements with friends, family and neighbors.

A temporary evacuation center for impacted residents will be opening at 2:00PM today at the Oregon House Community Center located at 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, Ca.

For further information, residents can call the Yuba County Office of Emergency Services Call Center at 530-749-7700

September 1, 2017 at 10:10 AM

The immediate evacuation order issued for the communities of Berry Creek, Brush Creek and Mountain House, including Oro Quincy Highway from Foreman Creek, north to Mountain House and all tributaries including Bald Rock Road has been lifted. All other evacuation orders remain in place.

When picking up animals from a shelter, please have your pink intake form and a photo ID.
Upon returning home make sure you have food, water, and proper containment for your animals. High temperatures and fire damage can cause normal household items to become hazardous to you and your animals. Make sure your property is safe before returning home.

September 1, 2017 at 8:51 AM

Firefighters continue to reinforce and build containment lines around the fire. The steep, rugged terrain paired with the hot and dry temperatures make firefighting efforts difficult. Ground crews, with air support, continue to actively engage in suppressing spot fires around the southern perimeter of the incident. Damage Assessment Teams have arrived at the incident and have initiated their assessments. Changes in damaged and destroyed structures along with the type of structures involved will be reflected in incident updates as the assessment teams confirm their findings.

Evacuation orders are in place for Lumpkin Road from Forbestown Road to CAL FIRE Station 51, including the community of Feather Falls. For the communities of Berry Creek, Brush Creek and Mountain House. This includes Oro Quincy Highway from Foreman Creek, north to Mountain House and all tributaries including Bald Rock Road.

August 31, 2017 at 6:46 PM

The shelter at the Ponderosa Community Center in Brownsville is now closed.

August 31, 2017 at 6:35 PM

August 31, 2017 at 6:11 PM

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has begun replacing 68 damaged wooden poles after being granted access by Cal Fire to the Ponderosa Fire burn and evacuated areas this afternoon. PG&E is also bringing in spools of cable, transformers and other electrical equipment. Over the next few days crews will rebuild powerlines and restore power to 94 customers who lost power on the first day and third day of the fire near Feather Falls in the mountains of Butte County. Throughout the day on Thursday PG&E crews continue to treat hundreds of wooden poles with fire retardant outside the fire area, treating 300 so far, and contract tree crews are clearing brush around poles. Tree crews are also cutting down fire-damaged trees that could threaten power lines. Fifty PG&E workers and 30 tree contractors are working in the area, with more crews arriving Friday. The 94 customers without power are within the evacuation area and are expected to be restored by late Sunday.

August 31, 2017 at 6:05 PM

Containment up to 30%. Structures Destroyed: 27 (20 homes & 7 outbuildings)

August 31, 2017 at 10:28 AM

The fire continued to burn actively throughout the day. Additional firefighters continued to arrive from across the State. Firefighters are working aggressively in steep and rugged areas with inaccessible terrain which is hampering firefighting efforts in 100+ degree temperatures. Structure defense remains a priority and firefighters continue to establish and improve containment lines.

Evacuation orders are in place for Lumpkin Road, from Forbestown Road to CAL FIRE Station 51, including the community of Feather Falls. For the communities of Berry Creek, Brush Creek and Mountain House. This includes Oro Quincy Highway from Foreman Creek, north to Mountain House and all tributaries including Bald Rock Rd

August 31, 2017 at 6:36 AM

Structures Threatened: 1,300 (500 homes & 800 outbuildings)

August 30, 2017 at 6:35 PM

Short update on acreage and containment

August 30, 2017 at 4:03 PM

Immediate Evacuation Order
An immediate evacuation order has been issued for the entire communities of Berry Creek, Brush Creek, and Mountain House. This includes Oro Quincy Hwy from Foreman Creek north to Mountain House and all tributaries including Bald Rock Rd. Berry Creek resident are advised to evacuate south from Berry Creek to the Oroville area.

August 30, 2017 at 3:19 PM

Ponderosa Air Attack is requesting a second VLAT, a 747

August 30, 2017 at 2:48 PM

Public Assembly Points at Berry Creek School and Lake Madrone for those needing transport from the area.

August 30, 2017 at 2:30 PM

Per Butte County Sheriff, evacuation warning for the entire communities of Berry Creek, Brush Creek and Mountain House. This includes the area from Oro Quincy Hwy. From Foreman Creek to the community of Mountain House and all tributaries, including Bald Rock Road.

August 30, 2017 at 2:23 PM

Due to the Ponderosa Fire (Butte County, CA), there are several temporary recreation area closures on the Feather River Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest.

Closed: Lumpkin Road (county road); use La Porte Road for recreation access
Closed: Feather Falls Campground and Trail
Closed: Golden Trout Campground

As a reminder, Sly Creek Rd (FS Road #21N16) remains closed (winter storm damage) just past the Sly Creek Boat Ramp. The campground and boat ramp are open.

The Little Grass Valley Recreation Area is open as are other recreation areas across the Plumas National Forest.

August 30, 2017 at 1:35 PM

The Ponderosa Fire near Feather Falls is creating a considerable amount of smoke and will impact nearby areas while it remains active. Surrounding foothills and areas down-canyon of the fire, including the Oroville area, may experience smokey conditions during the AM hours while smoke settles. The Butte County Air Quality Management District and the Butte County Public Health Department have issued a joint Air Quality Advisory.

August 30, 2017 at 12:58 PM

Objectives for today:

Keep the fire North of the South Fork of the Feather River
Keep the fire South of the Middle Fork of the Feather River
Keep the fire West of Yuba County
Keep the fire East of Enterprise Boat/Craig Access Rd.

August 30, 2017 at 12:00 PM

CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested John Ballenger, age 29 of Oroville, on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 on suspicion of causing the Ponderosa Fire. Ballenger is suspected of recklessly starting a campfire outside a designated campground and allowing it to escape. The fire was reported to CAL FIRE’s Emergency Command Center in Oroville at 1:11 p.m. on August 29, 2017. “All campfires pose a risk of escaping. A campfire should never be left unattended and must be extinguished completely before everyone leaves,” said Chief Darren Read of CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire.

August 30, 2017 at 11:38 AM

Yesterday, the Grass Valley Air Attack Base delivered 58,000 gallons of retardant by 6 S2 air tankers to the Ponderosa Fire.

August 30, 2017 at 10:49 AM

Fire photographer Tim Walton shared this video

Ponderosa Fire Butte , some of what I saw on day one #PonderosaFire pic.twitter.com/ZvWzOfHBkJ
— Tim Walton (@Photo1Prod) August 30, 2017

August 30, 2017 at 10:46 AM

Update from Cal Fire: 500 structures remain threatened.

August 30, 2017 at 10:16 AM

On Tuesday night after PG&E crews were allowed access into parts of the burn area, PG&E restored power to 179 of the 284 customers who lost power during the fire. Crews have also pre-treated more than 100 wooden utility poles with fire retardant in areas near the fire and will continue to spray more poles today. PG&E has identified more than 60 damaged poles and downed power lines and is prepared to move into fire-affected areas once Cal Fire deems it safe to do so to fully assess damage, remove damaged trees near power lines, and rebuild poles, power lines and equipment.

August 30, 2017 at 10:07 AM

VLAT is inbound to the fire from McClellan. Today, 10 helicopters and 9 air tankers are assigned to the incident.

August 30, 2017 at 9:49 AM

CAL FIRE morning update:

The fire burned actively through most of the night. Additional firefighters continue to arrive from across the State. Yesterday, firefighters experienced rapid fire development, dangerous rates of spread and high temperatures. The fire continues to progress to the north in steep and rugged terrain. Structure defense remains a priority and firefighters continue to establish containment lines.

Evacuation Order: Lumpkin Road, from Forbestown Road to CAL FIRE Station 51, including the community of Feather Falls.

Evacuation Warning: An evacuation warning has been established for all roads within the following perimeters;
NW – Bald Rock Road at Katella Road
SW – Big Ridge Road to Oro Quincy Hwy (including Little Ridge Road)
SE – Bean Creek Road at Eckards Lane
NE – Bald Rock Road to Enumclaw Road

Evacuation Centers:
Church of the Nazarene, 2238 Monte Vista Ave, Oroville, 95966
The Ponderosa Community Center, 17103 Ponderosa Way, Brownsville, 95919

Road Closures:
Lumpkin Road at Forbestown Road
Lumpkin Road at Mill Road

August 30, 2017 at 9:41 AM

10 residences and 20 outbuildings destroyed, 5 residences and 10 outbuildings damaged. 800 structures remain threatened.

August 30, 2017 at 9:34 AM

Photo by Helen Park, taken in Brownsville on Aug. 29

Feather River Air Quality Management District: Smoke from #PonderosaFire in Butte Co may be present as winds shift direction today & tomorrow. Take precautions if you see/smell smoke.

August 30, 2017 at 9:15 AM

Ponderosa Air Attack is requesting two Type 3 (multi-engine) tankers.

August 30, 2017 at 8:56 AM

Air Attack 210 has assumed Ponderosa Air Attack. Inversion over the fire at this time but some open skies on the right flank of the fire.

August 30, 2017 at 8:53 AM

The following agencies have sent firefighters and equipment to the fire as of this morning:

U.S. Forest Service
Nevada County Consolidated Fire District
Sacramento Fire Department
California Office of Emergency Services
Yolo County Operational Area
West Plainfield Fire Protection District
Yocha DeHe Fire Department
Woodland Fire Department
University of California Davis Fire Department
Davis Fire Department
Linda Fire Protection District
Beale Air Force Base Fire Department
Linda Fire Protection District
Olivehurst Public Utility Fire Department
Pleasant Grove Fire Department
San Andreas Fire Protection Department
San Joaquin County Operational Area
Clements Rural Fire Protection District
Linden Peters Fire Protection District
Thornton Fire Protection District
French Camp-McKinley Fire Protection District
Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District
Clements Rural Fire Protection District
Lodi Fire Department
Turlock City Fire Department
Modesto Fire Department
Woodland Avenue Fire District
Burbank-Paradise Fire District
Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District
Bear Valley Fire Department
Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District
Penyn Fire Protection District
Tehama County Fire Department
Corning Volunteer Fire Department
Willow Oak Fire Protection District
Lake Valley Fire Protection District
Fallen Leaf Community Service District Volunteer Fire Department
South Placer Fire Protection District
Rocklin Fire Department
Placer Hills Fire Protection District
Foresthill Fire Protection District
Roseville Fire Department
Auburn City Fire Department
Pechanga Indian Reservation Fire Department
Folsom Fire Department
Pechanga Indian Reservation Fire Department
American Canyon Fire Protection District
Anaheim Fire Department
San Jose Fire Department

August 30, 2017 at 7:57 AM

Photo taken about 5:00 p.m. on 8/29 by Helen Park in Brownsville

Fire activity is being driven by fuels and topography. Runs with crown fire activity is occurring especially where it is influenced by the winds.

Restrictions: Lumpkin Rd has evacuations in place from Enterprise Bridge to CAL FIRE Station 51. All roads off of Lumpkin Rd. between those two points are also evacuated.

Evacuations: 1,200 persons + 400 Sheltering in place

Projected Incident Activity: Fire activity was very active overnight due to the dryness of fuels, down canyon winds, especially where intense heat has occurred. This caused fire growth to go from 800 acres yesterday evening to 2500 acres.

24 hours Time Frame: The continued hot dry weather, receptive fuel bed, will promote the potential for large fire growth.

August 30, 2017 at 7:44 AM

The fire is now well established in Nutmeg Creek.

August 30, 2017 at 7:42 AM

Firefighters are reporting multiple people making access in trucks and quads on Lumpkin Road past the closures. BCSO needs to report to the area immediately and escort these people out. The fire will become very active as soon as the sun hits the area. This is a life-threatening situation. Please heed the closures and evacuations.

August 30, 2017 at 6:46 AM

Evacuation Warning: Lumpkin Rd from The Enterprise Bridge to Lake View Terrace. All roads/areas within the perimeter of these boundaries:
(North West) Bald Rock Road at Catella
(South West) Big Ridge Road to Oro Quincy Hwy, Including Little Ridge Road
(South East) Bean Creek at Eckards Lane
(North East) Bald Rock Road to Enumclaw Road

August 29, 2017 at 7:54 PM

Temporary Flight Restriction in place, includes drones.

Airspace Definition:
Center: On the CHICO VOR/DME (CIC) 100 degree radial at 28.2 nautical miles. (Latitude: 39º35’00″N, Longitude: 121º18’00″W)
Radius: 7 nautical miles
Altitude: From the surface up to and including 7000 feet MSL
Effective Date(s):
From August 30, 2017 at 0130 UTC
To September 30, 2017 at 0400 UTC

August 29, 2017 at 7:51 PM

CALFIRE Team 2 activated for the fire, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds will be the ICP.

August 29, 2017 at 7:49 PM

Per Butte County Sheriff: Residents who need assistance with animal evacuations from the #PonderosaFire should call North Valley Animal Disaster Group Hotline (530) 895-0000

August 29, 2017 at 7:47 PM

Aircraft are starting to leave the fire, shutdown time is approaching.

August 29, 2017 at 7:44 PM

Short range spotting and torching observed. Continued structure threat, mandatory evacuations in place. Multiple structures destroyed. VLAT assigned.

August 29, 2017 at 7:41 PM

These 2 satellite photos (GOES 16 and Colorado State) show the fire at 1:45 and 3:45 pm.

August 29, 2017 at 6:54 PM

All road closures will remain in effect throughout the night.

August 29, 2017 at 6:17 PM

Aircraft and ground resources are battling numerous spot fires ahead of the main fire.

August 29, 2017 at 6:15 PM

American Red Cross Gold Country to open a shelter by 6:45 at the Ponderosa Community Center, 17103 Ponderosa Way, in Brownsville for people evacuated from the Ponderosa Fire.

August 29, 2017 at 6:11 PM

Photo by Judy Bellamy, taken near Forbestown Rd/Lumpkin Rd.

Butte County Sheriff: Large animal shelter open at Camelot Equestrian Park, 1985 Clark Road, for residents evacuated from the Ponderosa Fire.

August 29, 2017 at 5:54 PM

Tankers 88, 89, 90, 93, 94, 131, 167 are assigned to the fire. VLAT inbound. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the fire up to 7,000 ft in a 5-mile radius. Last report from Air Attack states fire activity is slowing down.

August 29, 2017 at 5:35 PM

Latest update from Cal Fire is 600+ acres. 40 structures are immediately threatened.

August 29, 2017 at 5:22 PM

Thanks to our friends at Soper Wheeler for the video. Time-lapse of the Ponderosa Fire near Lumpkin Road in Butte County. Shot from a location about 10 miles away.

August 29, 2017 at 5:15 PM

NVADG and shelter teams have activated to Ponderosa Fire in Oroville.

August 29, 2017 at 4:38 PM

Immediate Evacuation Order is back to the original, Lumpkin Rd from Forbestown Rd to The community of Feather Falls.

August 29, 2017 at 4:23 PM

View NNW from Litton Building, Grass Valley. Photo by Charles Litton

Reports of structures destroyed, numerous structures threatened. Damage assessment team will go in once it is safe.

August 29, 2017 at 4:08 PM

Immediate Evacuation Order, all of Ponderosa Way & Lumpkin Rd from Lakeview Terrace to Feather Falls Fire Station 51.

August 29, 2017 at 4:05 PM

Evacuation advisory below Lakeview.

August 29, 2017 at 3:52 PM

Medic to the ICP for a firefighters with a non-lifethreatening injury.

August 29, 2017 at 3:46 PM

Taken from Ridge Road by Louis Blue Cloud.

There is a no divert on the all aircraft due to immediate life threat. A large number of civilians are not accounted for yet. Very Large Air Tankrer (VLAT) has an ETA of 1 hour.

August 29, 2017 at 3:45 PM

Butte County: Small animal shelter will open at the Old County Hospital in Oroville, 2279 Del Oro, at 4:30 for Ponderosa Fire. Check animals in by 9pm.

August 29, 2017 at 3:44 PM

Placer County strike team en route with engines from Foresthill, Placer Hills, Rocklin, Placer County and South Placer.

August 29, 2017 at 3:19 PM

Smoke plume as seen from the corner of Newtown Rd and Jones Bar Rd in Nevada County.
Photo by Jessica Slack

Fire behavior is plume-dominated. [A fire for which the power of the fire exceeds the power of the wind, leading to a tall convection column and atypical spread patterns (Scott and Reinhardt, 2001)]

August 29, 2017 at 3:08 PM

First heavy tankers are inbound to the fire, firefighters are constructing line and providing structure protection.

August 29, 2017 at 2:57 PM

Butte County: A shelter will be open by 4:15 pm at Church of the Nazarene in Oroville, 2238 Monte Vista Ave, for those evacuated from the Ponderosa Fire.

August 29, 2017 at 2:52 PM

Mandatory evacuations Lakeview, Lakeview Terrace and Echo Ridge Road.

August 29, 2017 at 2:37 PM

The fire is spotting across Lumpkin Road, will reach lighter fuels to the north.

August 29, 2017 at 2:36 PM

Tanker 101 inbound, 4 heavy tankers still on order.

August 29, 2017 at 2:35 PM

Difficult access for firefighters in the steep terrain. Fire is still burning at a rapid rate of spread, spotting ahead of the main fire.

August 29, 2017 at 2:27 PM

CAL FIRE ICP is on Lumpkin Road at the Grange. Evacuations are ongoing, please heed the evacuation orders.

August 29, 2017 at 2:25 PM

Immediate Evacuation Order, Lumpkin Road from Forbestown Road to the community of Feather Falls.

August 29, 2017 at 2:23 PM

Lumpkin Road is closed at the Enterprise Bridge and at Forbestown Road.

August 29, 2017 at 2:21 PM

Tankers 88, 89, 90, 93, 94, 95 are on the fire.

August 29, 2017 at 2:09 PM

The fire is burning in heavy brush and timber in steep terrain at a dangerous rate of spread with structures threatened and evacuations in progress. Threat to 115kV powerlines.

August 29, 2017 at 2:03 PM

Strike teams from TGU, NEU en route to assist Butte County.

August 29, 2017 at 1:56 PM

NEU strike team 9237 G en route to the fire

August 29, 2017 at 1:56 PM

Evacuations now on Lumpkin Road and Ponderosa Way.

August 29, 2017 at 1:54 PM

CHP is closing Lumpkin Road and Ponderosa Way to all traffic.

August 29, 2017 at 1:51 PM

Aircraft will attempt to establish a retardant line at Lumpkin Road to halt progression to the north. Road closures coming on Lumpkin and feeder roads.

August 29, 2017 at 1:45 PM

As seen from YubaNet HQ at 2 pm. The fire is 22 air miles from our office.

Air Attack is ordering 2 additional S-2 tankers. 4 heavy tankers and additional copters. The smoke plume is widely visible from western Nevada County.

August 29, 2017 at 1:37 PM

Air Attack is over the fire, reporting structure threat. Tankers will drop between the fire and the home in the area.

August 29, 2017 at 1:33 PM

Immediate need strike team NEU 9231 C en route to the fire.

August 29, 2017 at 1:31 PM

Per CAL FIRE Butte County: Vegetation fire in the Robinson Mill area near Ponderosa Way. Units are making access. Fire approx. 10 acres. #PonderosaFire

August 29, 2017 at 1:30 PM

Aircraft en route, also an augmented dispatch from Grass Valley.

August 29, 2017 at 1:10 PM

Smoke report from Pike County lookout on Ponderosa Way near Broken Springs Way (Robinson Mill area) in Butte County.

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