Happening Now brings you community news, updates and announcements throughout the day. Don’t forget to refresh/reload this page to see the latest updates.

June 5, 2023 at 11:09 PM Plumas National Forest Challenge Prescribed Burn project. As of 10 p.m., firefighters have completed approximately 150 acres of nearly 200 acres of ignitions. As conditions remain favorable, it is anticipated that all ignitions will be completed by midnight. Holding resources will remain on the unit throughout the night, monitoring the prescribed burn. A Battalion Chief, the Trinity Hotshots and several engines will provide relief in the morning, continuing monitoring, mop up and patrol.

Firefighters continue to work on this project tonight while winds remain favorable to reduce smoke impacts to Yuba Feather Elementary School. Photo courtesy Plumas National Forest

June 5, 2023 at 6:59 PM The pup who wandered around Tumble Creek Road has made his way onto Red Dog Road. Please use caution in the area and check if your pup is safe.

June 5, 2023 at 5:14 PM This rather large and very clean pup just showed up on Tumbling Creek Road in the Red Dog area.

Tumbling Creek pup

June 5, 2023 at 3:22 PM A strong thunderstorm will impact portions Interstate 80 near Donner Lake through 3:45 PM, per NWS. If on or near Donner Lake, get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.

Donner Lake NWS Warning

June 5, 2023 at 3:17 PM The Ridge fire on Cedar Ridge Drive is now fully contained.

June 5, 2023 at 2:39 PM

June 5, 2023 at 2:38 PM Forward progress stopped on the Ridge Fire on Cedar Ridge Drive.

June 5, 2023 at 2:35 PM

June 5, 2023 at 2:31 PM Ridge IC reports they can handle with units at scene, canceling incoming resources.

June 5, 2023 at 2:26 PM Units are at scene, reporting 1/2 acre in brush and understory. Burning at a slow rate of spread, additional units arriving at scene. Tanker 89 and Air Attack are overhead.

Cedar incident

June 5, 2023 at 2:25 PM Reported vegetation fire on Cedar Ridge Drive in the Cedar Ridge area. Passerby reported trees and brush on fire, possible escaped burn pile.

June 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM

June 5, 2023 at 1:59 PM Plumas National Forest Firefighters are planning to ignite nearly 200 acres south of Challenge near Indiana-New York Road starting as early as 2 p.m., conditions permitting. Ignitions may continue until around midnight, when fuel moistures are expected to increase and be less receptive to fire. Patrols will continue overnight and there may be additional ignitions tomorrow. The burn is being done later in the day and overnight due to predicted winds and keeping smoke from affecting Yuba Feather Elementary School in Challenge, which is still in session.

June 5, 2023 at 12:45 PM Bridgeport IC June 5, 2023 at 1:10 PM Units dispatched for a vehicle accident on eastbound Hwy 174 between Rattlesnake and Brooks.

June 5, 2023 at 9:25 AM Increased chances of thunderstorms early this afternoon. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may produce heavy rain, dangerous lightning, gusty winds and hail impacting outdoor activities and recreationists. Heavy rain from stronger storms may lead to localized flooding and increased travel times.

June 5, 2023 at 6:06 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

CAL FIRE Burn Permits are required now, visit their website for permit information. 

For non-residential burning, an Air Pollution Permit from the Air District is always required. Burn only natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. For best smoke dispersion, recommended burn hours are 9 A.M. to 3 .PM.

Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.

June 4, 2023 at 5:40 PM Units at scene on Valencia can handle, releasing incoming resources back to their stations. Forward progress has been stopped, hose line around the fire is complete.

June 4, 2023 at 5:20 PM Bridgeport IC is releasing some of the resources at scene.

June 4, 2023 at 5:17 PM Units at scene on Valencia are making progress. Due to access issues, only smaller (Type 3) engines can access the fire. Fire is approximately 1/2 acre. Staging the dozer on Hwy 20, Washington Ridge crew to continue in.

June 4, 2023 at 5:10 PM Units at scene report light fuels, slow rate of spread. All Type 1 engines (large engines) to stage on Hwy 20. Wildland engines from the Forest Service to proceed on the road.

June 4, 2023 at 4:51 PM Reported vegetation fire on Valencia Road off Hwy 20, full wildland dispatch on order for this escaped burn pile. Fire reported between Valencia and Casci Road.

Valencia incident

June 4, 2023 at 4:31 PM Bridgeport IC reports all units dispatched are at scene, searching the banks. Helicopter H20 is overhead, conducting the search in the river.

June 4, 2023 at 4:22 PM Safety check requested on a possibly oversized burn pile on You Bet Road. Unit dispatched.

June 4, 2023 at 4:07 PM Units will fan out on the Buttermilk Bend trail, caller reported a sighting of the patient. North San Juan, Penn Valley and Consolidated are responding. CHP Helicopter H20 has been requested to the area.

June 4, 2023 at 3:58 PM Possible medical water rescue on the river, near Bridgeport. Units dispatched.

June 4, 2023 at 3:44 PM Overturned vehicle, off the roadway into the trees, on East Bennett Street near Brunswick Road. Emergency services at scene.

June 4, 2023 at 1:14 PM Forward progress has been stopped, releasing all incoming units. Mop-up in progress.

June 4, 2023 at 1:12 PM Firefighters at scene are making good progress per Piper IC. Now burning at a slow rate of spread, still no structure threat. All ground resources dispatched to continue in.

June 4, 2023 at 1:09 PM Smartsville water tender has been dispatched to respond to the Piper incident. One Air Attack and one tanker are available if needed.

June 4, 2023 at 1:05 PM Units at scene report 1/2 acre burning in grass at a moderate rate of spread. No structure threat at this time.

June 4, 2023 at 1:03 PM Units are arriving at scene on Piper.

June 4, 2023 at 12:55 PM Updated location is now in Penn Valley, Piper Lane and Chisum Trail. All units are diverting to the new location.

Piper fire in Penn Valley

June 4, 2023 at 12:51 PM Incoming units to stage on Cement Hill at Piper.

June 4, 2023 at 12:48 PM Reported vegetation fire on Piper Lane in the Cement Hill area of Nevada City. Reported as a field/pasture on fire with a possible structure threat. Full wildland dispatch on order.

June 4, 2023 at 11:30 AM Car vs tree on Brooks Road near Pine Cone Circle in Cedar Ridge.

June 4, 2023 at 10:21 AM Isolated to scattered afternoon/evening thunderstorms each day. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may produce heavy rain, dangerous lightning, gusty winds and hail impacting outdoor activities and recreationists. Heavy rain from stronger storms may lead to localized flooding and increased travel times. Minor debris flow impacts to burn scars possible, mainly Monday-Wednesday.

June 4, 2023 at 10:21 AM Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may produce heavy rain, dangerous lightning, gusty winds and hail impacting outdoor activities and recreationists. Heavy rain from stronger storms may lead to localized flooding and increased travel times. Minor debris flow impacts to burn scars possible, mainly Monday-Wednesday.

June 4, 2023 at 7:53 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

CAL FIRE Burn Permits are required now, visit their website for permit information. 

For non-residential burning, an Air Pollution Permit from the Air District is always required. Burn only natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. For best smoke dispersion, recommended burn hours are 9 A.M. to 3 .PM.

Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.

June 3, 2023 at 5:31 PM Locals have extinguished the small roadside spot on Marysville Road.

June 3, 2023 at 5:24 PM Report of a vegetation fire, approximately the size of a car, on Marysville Road near Collins Lake Road in Yuba County, units dispatched.

June 3, 2023 at 4:23 PM Scott Fire in Yuba County is fully contained at 9 acres.

June 3, 2023 at 4:22 PM

June 3, 2023 at 3:38 PM Mop-up operations on both the Ridgewood and Scott fires are underway.

June 3, 2023 at 3:29 PM Scott Air Attack is releasing the incoming copter and Tanker 89, already on base at Grass Valley.

June 3, 2023 at 3:19 PM Scott Fire in Yuba County, there is a dozer line around the two main spots and the fire lines are tied in the road. Releasing Tanker 89 back to Grass Valley (where the Air Show is coming to an end.)

Loading Tanker 89. Photo: YubaNet

June 3, 2023 at 3:13 PM Scott IC reports the fire is approximately 4 acres. Requesting two additional crews.

June 3, 2023 at 3:08 PM Units at scene of the Scott fire are making progress, one structure in the area. Tanker 89 is overhead.

Scott Fire

June 3, 2023 at 3:00 PM Units at scene of the Scott incident report multiple roadside fires, burning at a moderate rate of spread. All units dispatched to continue in.

Scott fire, Yuba County

June 3, 2023 at 2:59 PM Air Attack is releasing one of the two tankers assigned to the Ridgewood Fire which is looking good now. Air Attack 440 and Tanker 89 will respond to the new start in Yuba County.

June 3, 2023 at 2:53 PM

June 3, 2023 at 2:44 PM Ridgewood IC reports evac notices have been made. They are in unified command with PCSO.

June 3, 2023 at 2:41 PM Firefighters are making good progress on the Ridgewood Fire, Tanker 89 has lifted off Grass Valley Air Attack Base and is arriving over the fire.

June 3, 2023 at 2:35 PM One Air Attack and two tankers on order for the Ridgewood incident. A full wildland dispatch of ground resources, including dozer and handcrew. Evacuation son Ridgewood are ongoing.

June 3, 2023 at 2:30 PM PCSO is starting evacuation warnings in the area.

June 3, 2023 at 2:25 PM Units at scene report a little over an acre, burning in light flashy fuels. Three structures threatened.

June 3, 2023 at 2:19 PM Vegetation fire on Ridgewood Drive in the Loomis area in Placer County, approximately 1 acre, immediate threat to two structures. Units arriving at scene.

Ridgewood incident

June 3, 2023 at 1:43 PM Jade, the wayward pup found in Rough and Ready, has been reunited with her humans. All is well.

June 3, 2023 at 1:04 PM Male golden doodle wearing a collar but no tags. Found at the North Bloomfield and Coyote Street intersection running down N Bloomfield. Call 530-263-5285 if this pup is yours.

North Bloomfield Golden Doodle

June 3, 2023 at 9:13 AM Don’t forget about the Volunteer Fair today. The Center for Nonprofit Leadership, in partnership with the Nevada County Fairgrounds, the County of Nevada and 211 Connecting Point, is pleased to announce the 2023 Community Volunteer and Job Fair: Passion in Action. Today, between 11 am and 3 pm, dozens of community impact organizations such as local nonprofits, Nevada County Fair, and the County of Nevada will come together in the Main Street Center building at the Nevada County Fairgrounds to connect with potential volunteers and job seekers. Details here.

June 3, 2023 at 8:57 AM The City of Nevada City, in partnership with WM, will be hosting a City Clean-Up event from 9am to 2pm on Saturday June 3, 2023, at the Eric W. Rood Administrative Center 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 where: Green Waste, Upholstered Furniture, Appliances, Mattresses, and E-Waste will be accepted.

June 2, 2023 at 5:08 PM From a reader: This hot dog is hanging out at our place in Rough and Ready. If she is yours, please call or text (916 396 7934) or (916 600 5664) 

Lost pup

June 2, 2023 at 10:27 AM Approximately 10 acres of prescribed burning is scheduled for 2 June, 2023 on Beale Air Force Base near the FAMCAMP and Main Base.

June 2, 2023 at 9:52 AM Another prescribed burn today off of Bloomfield Rd. and Bloomfield Ct., no need to report the smoke.

June 2, 2023 at 9:26 AM Heads up for a 2.5-acre prescribed burn on Rocker Road (off Red Dog Road) in Nevada City today. Smoke will be visible in the area.

June 2, 2023 at 7:18 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

CAL FIRE Burn Permits are required now, visit their website for permit information. 

For non-residential burning, an Air Pollution Permit from the Air District is always required. Burn only natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. For best smoke dispersion, recommended burn hours are 9 A.M. to 3 .PM.

Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.

June 1, 2023 at 7:42 PM Pride flag raising in Nevada City. Members of the LGBTQ+ and allies came to cheer the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall and then help decorate downtown. Happy Pride!

June 1, 2023 at 6:10 PM Forward progress has been stopped on the Pacheco incident. Mop-up operations starting now.

June 1, 2023 at 6:03 PM Units at scene of the Pacheco incident are making good progress.

June 1, 2023 at 5:56 PM Units are arriving at scene, access is off Pacheco. Now attempting to make access.

June 1, 2023 at 5:52 PM Fire off Pacheco is reported as an escaped burn pile, approximately 1/4 acre.

Pacheco Fire

June 1, 2023 at 5:50 PM Reported vegetation fire off Pacheco Road near Tyler Foote Crossing.

Pacheco Fire

June 1, 2023 at 2:07 PM A vehicle reportedly just crashed through the fence of the ballfields and continued to drive towards Sierra College in Grass Valley with fencing attached to the vehicle. Law enforcement is in the area.

June 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM Tankers 86 and 96 are training over Cascade Shores. No fire reported.

June 1, 2023 at 1:30 PM Reported vegetation fire in the Spring Valley Ranch area in Sierra County, units dispatched.

June 1, 2023 at 1:28 PM Firefighters are mopping up the Aspen incident, will be committed for a few hours.

June 1, 2023 at 1:07 PM Aspen IC is requesting one water tender to respond additionally.

June 1, 2023 at 1:04 PM Firefighters can handle the Aspen incident with resources at scene.

June 1, 2023 at 12:47 PM Aspen incident is approximately 1/4 acre, per units at scene. Possible electrical hazard, life/safety warning issued.

June 1, 2023 at 12:42 PM Firefighters are at scene on Aspen Court.

June 1, 2023 at 12:37 PM Report of a possibly escaped burn pile on Aspen Court in south county. Neighbor report, units dispatched.

June 1, 2023 at 12:35 PM Power outage affecting 21 customers along Cement Hill Road in Nevada City. Trouble crew dispatched. Estimated time of restoration is 3:15 pm.

June 1, 2023 at 11:40 AM A tree limb is blocking the Sacramento Street off ramp on northbound Hwy 49 in Nevada City.

June 1, 2023 at 7:07 AM Plumas National Forest prescribed burn continues. Firefighters successfully treated 77 acres yesterday, including a unit near Sunset Lookout. Smoke was highly visible in the area, including from Oroville and in the valley. Today, firefighters plan to treat approximately 44 acres along La Porte Road near the communities of Challenge and Woodleaf. Drivers in the area should watch for increased firefighter traffic, including firefighters working near roadways.

June 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

CAL FIRE Burn Permits are required now, visit their website for permit information. 

For non-residential burning, an Air Pollution Permit from the Air District is always required. Burn only natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. For best smoke dispersion, recommended burn hours are 9 A.M. to 3 .PM.

Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.

June 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM You can find last month’s log here.