Fire at a glance (numbers)
- Incident Name: Rices, Bridgeport area
- State: CA
- Lead Agency: NEU
- Size (acres): 904
- Percent Contained: 98%
- Estimate of Containment: July 7, 2022
- Personnel: 98
- Structures Destroyed: 13
Rices, Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, CalFire. Eight miles southwest of North San Juan, CA. Brush and hardwood slash. Minimal fire behavior.
Click the double arrows on the map to expand the legend.
July 6, 2022 at 7:12 PM
Last report unless significant change occurs.
July 6, 2022 at 7:15 AM
Containment has reached 97%.
July 5, 2022 at 7:08 PM
There is minimal threat and risk to any life, property, critical infrastructure, and cultural resources at this point in the incident.
July 5, 2022 at 3:51 PM Oregon Creek Day Use Area closure on the Tahoe National Forest due to the Rices Fire has been lifted.
July 5, 2022 at 7:42 AM
Fire is 85% contained. No morning briefing at 7:00 am. The Fairgrounds are being restored from a fire camp to normal operations.
July 4, 2022 at 6:25 PM
Minimal fire behavior reported. Evacuation Orders have been lifted.
July 4, 2022 at 8:58 AM
Today’s shift will continue to improve the lines and mitigate hazards, mop up 300-500 ft from the control lines, backhaul trash and excess equipment and supplies. They will extinguish any visible smokes and rehabilitate dozer lines.
July 4, 2022 at 8:07 AM
Video of the morning briefing, with the following highlights:
Evacuations and road closures have been lifted in Nevada and Yuba counties.
Residents returning to the area that find damage to their residence are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211 to be connected with a Disaster Recovery Specialist.
It is important to note that areas damaged by the fire may present unsafe or dangerous conditions. There is still fire equipment in the area.
July 4, 2022 at 5:58 AM
Demobilization continued yesterday. CAL FIRE NEU has taken over command of the incident.
July 3, 2022 at 7:30 PM
Minimal fire behavior reported today. Evacuation Orders and Warning remain in place. Repopulation continues where safe. Road and area closures are in effect. Sacramento Regional IMT Type 3 is planning a command transition back to the local unit at 0700 tomorrow morning.
July 3, 2022 at 8:10 AM Morning briefing video below. The highlights:
Still some hotspots visible on the IR map, these areas will be the focus of operations today, along with backhauling a lot of equipment. Tomorrow, the incident will be turned back to the local unit (CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer) therefore the Operations Chief and NEU Battalion Chief asked all resources to make one last push to mop up as much as possible – all while staying safe. The Brownsville helibase will close by the end of today, there are still 6 helicopters assigned to the fire and tankers as needed.
July 3, 2022 at 6:04 AM Minimal activity, no smoke visible on the cameras. Off to the morning briefing, we’ll post it by 8:00 am.
July 2, 2022 at 6:59 PM
Minimal fire activity today, mop-up and backhaul operations continued. Road closures remain in effect. Demobilization of excess resources continues.
Evacuation ORDERS:
Nevada County
- Bridgeport, Rice’s Crossing
- French Corral (NCO-E029-B)
Residences along the following roads in zone NCO-E029 remain under EVACUATION ORDER: Rices Crossing, Troost Trail, Den Court, Mark Court, Cranston Road. There is still heavy first responder traffic in the area.
Evacuation WARNINGS:
Nevada County
- French Corral (NCO-E029-A)
- Buttermilk area
- Birchville; Sweetland
Yuba County
- Steep canyon terrain leading to Base of Bullards
- Lake Francis with several residences surrounding lake.
July 2, 2022 at 2:56 PM
July 2, 2022 at 7:40 AM
Short morning briefing. The highlights:
No movement overnight, most lines are complete. Sling operation today to remove hoselines in very steep terrain. Large demobilization of excess resources occurring today.
July 1, 2022 at 7:11 PM Damage assessment is complete: 5 homes and 8 outbuildings destroyed.
July 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM Minimal fire behavior reported today. Per NCSO,
Firefighters have continued to make progress on increasing containment on portions of the Rices Fire and fire activity continues to decrease. As a result, there are changes to the following zones in Nevada County which are now open, and not under an evacuation warning. There are no changes to any zones in Yuba County.
CSP-E390: California State Park at hwy 49
• North of California Highway 49 and Bodie Ridge Road
• South of California Highway 49 and Hoyt Crossing Road
• East California Highway 49 and Jones Bar Road
• West of Excelsior Ditch Camp Road
NCO-E330: Milhous, Montezuma and Purdon (Central)
• North of The South Yuba River and Excelsior Ditch Camp Road
• South of Lost River Road and Hoyt Crossing Road
• East of California Highway 49
• West of Purdon Road, Augustine Road, and Miller Road
NCO-E331: Greater Tyler Foote and Purdon
• North of Murphy Road and Lost River Road
• South of Bystander Road
• East of California Highway 49
• West of Wah Way, Jackass Flats Road, and Purdon Road
NCO-E389: New School and Robinson areas
• North of Tyler Foote Crossing Road and Bystander Road
• South of the Middle Yuba River and Jungle Train
• East of Hyatt Road, New School Road, and California Highway 49
• West of Maidu Ridge Road and Meru Road
NCO-E327: Sebastopol and North San Juan
• North of Pleasant Valley Road and Heron Road
• South of the Middle Yuba River, California Highway 49, and Moonshine Road
• East of Sebastopol Road
• West of California Highway 49
Please stay out of the area (if you don’t live there) as there are still dozens of fire strike teams working and driving through the area. Additionally, there are still several hot spots and areas of dangerous conditions.
July 1, 2022 at 6:11 PM
The road closure on Pleasant Valley Road between Bridgeport and Birchville Road will remain in place until further notice. NCSO are allowing locals, with ID, to pass through. Hwy 49 is fully open without restrictions. Per California State Parks, Bridgeport at the South Yuba River State Park will remain closed until further notice. Updates to the current evacuation warnings will be posted at 7:00 pm.
July 1, 2022 at 3:31 PM A section of AT&T telephone line on Kelly Road and Moonshine Road was damaged during contingency work on the Tahoe NF associated with the Rices Fire. AT&T is aware of the situation and will be out to assess by 1800 this evening.
July 1, 2022 at 9:59 AM
Report from Helicopter recon: Fire is looking really good, no need for water drops right now. Very few smokes visible, lines are looking good.
July 1, 2022 at 8:29 AM
Nevada County Sheriff Office Captain Sam Brown and CAL FIRE NEU Unit Administrator Jim Hudson address the day shift.
July 1, 2022 at 7:59 AM
Morning briefing video. The highlights:
Good overnight progress, crews will continue to extend the containment lines. Strong work by the four hotshots crews and others assigned to the very steep portion on Division M. Numerous helicopters assigned to the fire to work hotspots in the interior and provide support to transport loads in and out of the fire area. Repopulation is ongoing, only about 50 people remain evacuated.
Gradually cooler with increasing relative humidity through Saturday over the fire area. Typical diurnal wind patterns expected for this time of year with upslope southwest winds during the day turning northeast overnight. Afternoon wind gusts to 18 mph will be possible.
July 1, 2022 at 5:53 AM
Minimal fire activity overnight. Damage inspection surveys have been initiated and are ongoing. 10 – 15 PG&E power line poles damaged in Division H.
June 30, 2022 at 9:02 PM
Huge props to the Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team volunteers at the Nevada County Fairgrounds taking care of over 150 animals evacuated from the fire.
June 30, 2022 at 8:06 PM
Minimal fire behavior reported today. 13 firefighter injuries throughout the incident. Holding and reinforcing containment lines and mopping up hot spots are the focus of resources assigned to the fire tonight.
This is a message from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. The EVACUATION ORDERS for zones; NCO-E329 and NCO-E383 have been downgraded to an EVACUATION WARNING. There is still heavy first responder traffic in the area. There are still ongoing EVACUATION ORDERS in portions of Nevada County. Roads will be open to residents only at Pleasant Valley Road and Birchville Road along with Pleasant Valley Road at Bridgeport.
June 30, 2022 at 5:28 PM
Repopulation announce for the Rices Fire this evening at 7:00 pm briefing. Please do NOT attempt to enter the area now, wait for the full details to be posted shortly after 7:00 pm by Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
June 30, 2022 at 2:00 PM
No change in evacuations reported at the midday briefing.
June 30, 2022 at 9:25 AM
All night shift resources are off the line. Day shift is on, helicopters are assigned. Tankers are available from Grass Valley if needed.
June 30, 2022 at 9:14 AM
CAL FIRE update:
Overnight activity on the Rices Fire was minimal, however, some fire behavior was observed due to rolling material from higher to lower areas, which ignited additional fuels. However, there was no increase in the acreage of the fire. Firefighters were aided by cooler weather and an increase in humidity last night as well.
Today, winds are forecast to shift from an easterly direction to come from the southwest, with gusts up to 20 mph. This may result in areas with reduced visibility at the ground level due to smoke impacts. Temperatures will also be lower and relative humidity higher today compared to yesterday, which will aid firefighters in today’s priorities of continuing to mop up hot areas of the fire, install handlines within the fire perimeter to assist with mopup, and build and improve containment lines via handcrews and bulldozers.
Resources assigned:
Engines: 156
Water Tenders: 36
Hand Crews: 34
Dozers: 31
June 30, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Incident Commander Jim Matthias, NEU Unit Chief Brian Estes and Nevada County Chair of the Board of Supervisors Sue Hoek address the firefighters at the June 30 morning briefing.
June 30, 2022 at 8:26 AM
Morning briefing video.
The highlights:
The fire is holding on the Nevada County side of the river. Good progress overnight, though some rollouts were observed. Day shift will continue to strengthen and extend the containment lines. 1,079 firefighters are assigned to the incident. The team will evaluate the situation today and make a decision on repopulation. 300 people remain evacuated. There is no change in evacuation orders and warnings this morning.
June 30, 2022 at 5:52 AM
Minimal fire behavior overnight. No change in the strategic objectives.
- Keep fire North of Rices Crossings Road.
- Keep fire West of Pleasant Valley Road.
- Keep fire South of Sweetland Creek.
- Keep fire East of Yuba River.
June 29, 2022 at 8:41 PM
Evening briefing video. The highlights:
• 904 acres brush and oak woodland, 10% contained
• Damage to 66kV transmission lines, threat to 230kV transmission lines
• Power outage in the area
• Threats exist to structures, critical infrastructure, endangered species, watersheds, cultural, and heritage resources
• Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place
• Road closures in the area
• Steep access making containment difficult
• Sacramento Regional IMT Type 3 assigned
June 29, 2022 at 6:10 PM
Very moderate fire behavior throughout the afternoon. The tankers are back at their bases while the helicopters and, most importantly, the ground resources continue to work. The fire grew 20 acres between 1:00 and 4:00 pm.
June 29, 2022 at 5:37 PM
Request for a relief air attack has just been placed. Time to refuel soon. Helicopters are working in the canyon, going after the hotspots. The Brownsville helibase is busy.
June 29, 2022 at 5:18 PM
The latest smoke forecast for today and tomorrow morning.
June 29, 2022 at 3:50 PM
Medical call for a firefighter, possibly flu-like symptoms.
June 29, 2022 at 3:17 PM
June 29, 2022 at 2:49 PM
Sycamore Ranch is located near Browns Valley at 5390 State Hwy 20.
The Sheriff’s Posse is located at 5396 Marysville Road, Browns Valley.
Questions may be directed to the Yuba County Office of Emergency Services by calling (530) 749-7520.
June 29, 2022 at 2:38 PM
Power has been restored to Camptonville by PGE, lines are running on large generators set up by the utility. Thanks to reader Ambrosha for the update.
June 29, 2022 at 2:28 PM
The Pleasant Valley Rd. Crossing / Bridgeport area of the South Yuba River State Park is CLOSED due to the fire. Please stay away from the area until reopened to allow for priority emergency traffic to access the area.
June 29, 2022 at 2:00 PM
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Nevada County Public Health Department are issuing a joint Air Quality Health Advisory to notify the public of the possibility of poor air quality conditions until Tuesday, July 5, 2022 resulting from the Rices Fire near Bridgeport in Nevada County. Air quality is expected to vary greatly throughout the advisory period depending on fire behavior and weather conditions, with smoke settling in low areas at night.
June 29, 2022 at 1:42 PM
Power has been restored to the Nevada County homes who were shut off because of the fire. 520 customers in Sierra and Yuba counties are still without power.
June 29, 2022 at 1:36 PM
Updated acreage estimate is just over 900 acres, per a CAL FIRE update.
June 29, 2022 at 12:47 PM
Aircraft over the fire are taking advantage of good visibility, meanwhile ground resources are continuing to build depth on containment line. One goal is to get lines to the bottom of the very steep canyon. Both the Beckwourth and Feather River Hotshots crews are assigned to Division H, the northwestern flank of the fire. The ElDorado Hotshot crew is assigned to Division M, the head of the fire.
June 29, 2022 at 11:32 AM
Transition between Air Attacks is underway. Fire is looking good right now. There are several lookouts in place to report on possible spot fires.
June 29, 2022 at 10:12 AM
Aircraft are focusing on the head of the fire as discussed in the morning briefing. With increasing temperatures, fire activity is picking up.
June 29, 2022 at 9:36 AM
June 29, 2022 at 9:31 AM
Air Attack is requesting a relief air attack for 11:30 am. They’ll need to refuel.
June 29, 2022 at 9:07 AM
All night shift resources are off the fire.
June 29, 2022 at 9:05 AM
There is damage to PG&E electrical 66KV Transmission Lines (1,676 customers without power), PG&E electrical 230KV transmission lines remain threatened.
June 29, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Rices Air Attack inquiring about the three helicopters they requested, including a Type 1 helicopter.
June 29, 2022 at 8:41 AM
Some stats from this morning’s update. 250 people have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported. The strategic objectives have not changed.
- Keep fire North of Rices Crossings Road.
- Keep fire West of Pleasant Valley Road.
- Keep fire South of Sweetland Creek.
- Keep fire East of Yuba River.
Fire behavior today is expected to be active with short-range spotting, running and flanking.
June 29, 2022 at 8:31 AM
June 29, 2022 at 8:26 AM
Video of the morning briefing
June 29, 2022 at 8:00 AM
Morning briefing is complete. Main focus today will be to keep the fire from spotting across the canyon, reinforce the east and north sides. 700 firefighters have been assigned.
June 29, 2022 at 6:07 AM
Here is a look at recent fires in the vicinity of the Rices Fire.
June 29, 2022 at 6:00 AM
There will be a significant augmentation in resources assigned to the fire for this day shift. Approximately 650 firefighters expected today, doubling the amount of resources.
June 29, 2022 at 5:42 AM
Fire activity was minimal overnight. Smoke has settled into nearby drainages. Activity will increase again with the shift to upcanyon winds out of the southwest.
June 28, 2022 at 11:04 PM
Smoke forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning.
June 28, 2022 at 10:32 PM
Weather forecast: South winds up to 7 mph shifting to the east around midnight. A weak trough along the west coast will help to start a cooling trend on Wednesday with very dry daytime conditions expected to continue and poor overnight recovery. Winds will be diurnal easterly at night and early morning shifting southwest by late morning each day.
June 28, 2022 at 10:19 PM
All evacuations and road closures will remain in place overnight. Law enforcement are patrolling the area. If you are evacuated and need resources, contact 211. If you need assistance getting animals to the Fairgrounds, call dispatch at 530-265-7880.
June 28, 2022 at 9:45 PM
Strategic objectives aka The Box:
Keep fire North of Rices Crossings Road.
Keep fire West of Pleasant Valley Road.
Keep fire South of Sweetland Creek.
Keep fire East of Yuba River.
June 28, 2022 at 9:44 PM
Concerns for tonight are poor overnight humidity recovery, hot and dry weather with receptive fuels.
June 28, 2022 at 9:21 PM
The evening briefing, at the Grass Valley Air Attack Base.
June 28, 2022 at 7:22 PM
June 28, 2022 at 7:19 PM
Loose cattle near Hwy 49 is creating a traffic hazard for the engines.
June 28, 2022 at 7:19 PM
For NSJ residents: Mother Truckers is staying open a little later today.
June 28, 2022 at 6:50 PM
Strike teams from neighboring units are arriving at the staging area. The fire is actively burning and firefighters will continue throughout the evening and night.
June 28, 2022 at 6:18 PM
Air Attack estimates the fire at 520 acres, still multiple structures threatened. Fire is moving downcanyon in a northeasterly direction.
June 28, 2022 at 6:07 PM
Power outages due to the fire:
Nevada County: 1,161
Sierra County: 1,676
June 28, 2022 at 6:04 PM
5,000 ft hose order, hose module ordered. More resource orders being placed for tonight and tomorrow.
June 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM
If you are told to evacuate, please leave. By staying you risk your own life and the safety of firefighters if they have to rescue you later on.
June 28, 2022 at 5:40 PM
Tanker 15 arriving over the fire again, will be working the head of the fire.
June 28, 2022 at 5:37 PM
Helicopters working the fire which is now burning in heavy timber, visible torching.
June 28, 2022 at 5:23 PM
New FIRIS mapping 398 acres.
June 28, 2022 at 5:15 PM
The transmission line from the Colgate powerhouse has been shut down.
June 28, 2022 at 5:00 PM Downieville and Sierra City are without power as well due to de-energized lines.
June 28, 2022 at 4:52 PM
Due to the fire, transmission lines have been de-energized for firefighter safety. North San Juan, Allegheny, and Pike City and surrounding areas are without power.
June 28, 2022 at 4:50 PM
FIRIS has mapped the main fire at 256 acres. Spot fires ahead of the main fire persist.
June 28, 2022 at 4:45 PM
Two Yuba County Zones now affected: Zones YUB-E098 & YUB-E095 include areas north of Marysville Rd, Troost Trail, Fairhaven Drive, Lake Francis Road; south & east of Marysville Rd.
June 28, 2022 at 4:39 PM
Multiple spot fires are hampering containment efforts. Current weather conditions: 99F, relative humidity is 7%, winds out of the southwest 6 mph with gusts up to 13 mph.
June 28, 2022 at 4:33 PM
If you live in Nevada City proper and have received an alert on your TV to evacuate, please check Nevada County’s dashboard first and see if your zone is affected.
June 28, 2022 at 4:20 PM
New road closure Birchville Road at Hwy 49. All incoming resources to stage at Peterson’s Corner in North San Juan.
June 28, 2022 at 4:12 PM
Nevada County Sheriff’s Office issuing an Evacuation WARNING for a Wildfire located at Rices Crossing and Doubleback Road affecting zones NCO-E327, NCO-E389, NCO-E331, NCO-E330 and CSP-E390. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should consider leaving now. Check Community.Zonehaven.com for updates and available shelter locations
June 28, 2022 at 4:08 PM
Relief air attack is over the fire, AA 230 handing the fire off to AA 505. Fire is estimated at 350 acres.
June 28, 2022 at 3:54 PM
New evacuation warnings for zones east of the fire. Evacuation ORDER for zones NCO-E329, CSP-E028, NCO-E383 & NCO-E029. Evacuation WARNING for zones NCO-E327, NCO-E389, NCO-E331, NCO-E330 & CSP-E058
June 28, 2022 at 3:53 PM
June 28, 2022 at 3:49 PM
Air Attack is requesting one Type 2 helicopter (SacMetro helicopter) and one additional VLAT tanker. High-voltage power lines and numerous structures threatened in the next hour.
June 28, 2022 at 3:46 PM
Nevada County Fairgrounds are being opened for all animals and livestock. A Temporary Evacuation Point is open at the Madelyn Helling Library (980 Helling Way, Nevada City).
June 28, 2022 at 3:43 PM
Air Attack is requesting No Divert on three air tankers and a helicopter. No divert means the aircraft cannot be assigned to another fire.
June 28, 2022 at 3:40 PM
New mandatory evacuations for NCO-E329 coming. Fire is estimated at 150 acres.
June 28, 2022 at 3:38 PM
Spot fire on the #RicesFire visible in the center of the @AlertWildfire image, under the main column.
June 28, 2022 at 3:28 PM
Air Attack estimates the fire at 100 acres. Spotting issues continue, but the head of the fire has slowed.
June 28, 2022 at 3:27 PM
Relief air attack requested for 4:15 over the fire. AA 230 will need to refuel.
June 28, 2022 at 3:25 PM
We are receiving numerous requests from people attempting to find their zone. Go to this URL https://community.zonehaven.com/ and input your address.
June 28, 2022 at 3:19 PM
June 28, 2022 at 3:15 PM
Please heed the evacuation warnings and orders and do not attempt to “go have a look.”
June 28, 2022 at 3:11 PM
Now Evacuation Order for NCO-E029, NCO-E383 and CSP-E028.
June 28, 2022 at 3:09 PM
CHP will shut down Birchville Road at Pleasant Valley Road.
June 28, 2022 at 3:06 PM
Hard closure of Rices Crossing at Pleasant Valley Road. Evacuation warnings issued for Zones CSP-E028, NCO-E383. NCO-E029
June 28, 2022 at 3:03 PM
Short-range spotting still reported, VLAT (Tanker 15) just dropped on the fire.
June 28, 2022 at 3:01 PM
Smoke is widely visible in Yuba, Sierra and Butte counties. This is the only fire in the area at this time.
June 28, 2022 at 2:52 PM
Evacuations: Rices Crossing Road, Troost Trail, Mark Court, Cranston Road, Den Court, all located north of Pleasant Valley Road.
June 28, 2022 at 2:50 PM
Issues with radios in the canyon. The fire is burning towards Troost Trail. TNF sending additional units.
June 28, 2022 at 2:42 PM
Beckwourth Hotshot crew (Plumas National Forest) responding to the fire.
June 28, 2022 at 2:41 PM
IC requesting two additional dozers, they are to stage at Bridgeport for now.
June 28, 2022 at 2:37 PM Air Attack has requested a VLAT and lead plane to respond additionally to the fire.
June 28, 2022 at 2:33 PM
10 additional engines, three overhead and an NCSO rep advisory for French Corral and a mandatory order for Troost Trail.
June 28, 2022 at 2:29 PM
Air Attack estimates the fire at 50-60 acres.
June 28, 2022 at 2:23 PM
IC requests an additional 3 crews for a total of 5 and 3 water tenders.
June 28, 2022 at 2:22 PM
Now three spot fires and the initial structure fire.
June 28, 2022 at 2:20 PM
Rices Air Attack reports multiple spot fires, requesting two additional air tankers and one Type 1 helicopter. This will be an extended attack fire.
June 28, 2022 at 2:12 PM
Air Attack reports the fire has moved into the wildland, moving uphill. IC is requesting additional engines.
June 28, 2022 at 2:10 PM
Augmented dispatch for the fire near Rices Crossing Road, now fully involved structure. Access is on the Pleasant Valley side.
June 28, 2022 at 2:03 PM
Structure fire in the Rices Crossing area, no extension to the wildland yet but significant potential. Aircraft are overhead. Full wildland dispatch on order.