Fire at a glance (numbers)

  • Incident Name: Rock, Nevada City
  • State: CA
  • Lead Agency: NEU
  • Size (acres): 2-3
  • Percent Contained:
  • Estimate of Containment: October 11, 2026
  • Personnel: 60+
  • Structures Destroyed: 0

Rock, Rock Creek Road and Running Horse outside of Nevada City. Brush and grass.

October 11, 2026 at 5:09 PM Rock IC reports all lines are tied in, resources will be committed for three or four hours for heavy mop-up operations.

October 11, 2026 at 5:06 PM Fire investigator/Prevention Officer is at scene to determine the cause of the fire. Dozer line around the fire is almost complete. Drone overflight to check for hot spots requested.

October 11, 2026 at 4:51 PM Only one crew needed at the incident to supplement resources at scene. Very good progress is being made.

October 11, 2026 at 4:41 PM Tahoe Helitack crew will load back up shortly. Washington Ridge crews are at the staging area.

October 11, 2026 at 4:20 PM Air Attack is releasing the tankers back to Grass Valley, the helicopters will continue to work hotspots. The retardant lines have been tripled up and ground resources are making access now.

October 11, 2026 at 4:15 PM Fire behavior is moderating, everything is contained in the contingency box. Engines are close to making access.

October 11, 2026 at 4:05 PM Helicopters continue water drops as engines attempt to access the fire. Only wildland engines are able to reach the fire, the dozer will push from the trail to the fire.

Red and white helicopter with a long line attached, flying over treetops against a blue sky
Photo YubaNet

October 11, 2026 at 3:57 PM Retardant drop on the heel of the fire, grass is still smoldering and could create more spot fires.

October 11, 2026 at 3:52 PM Rock IC confirmes the fire is holding at 2 acres and numerous spot fires. Engines have not made access to the fire.

October 11, 2026 at 3:51 PM Tankers keep reinforcing the retardant lines due to difficult ground access.

October 11, 2026 at 3:44 PM Dozer will unload at Hudson and Rock Creek due to sharp turns on Rock Creek. There are no evacuations at this time.

Helicopter flying through a blue sky carrying a water bucket on a long line, likely for firefighting
Helicopter 514 over the Rock incident, as seen from YubaNet HQ.

October 11, 2026 at 3:37 PM Air Attack reports the fire is checked by roads and retardant lines. Helicopters, tankers and helicrews are making good progress. Reader Lindsey captured the tanker drop.

Air tanker flies over forested hillside after dropping red retardant line above rising smoke from the Rock fire

October 11, 2026 at 3:28 PM Two helicopters are working the Rock incident, focusing on the spot fires.

October 11, 2026 at 3:24 PM Tankers are building a contingency box around the perimeter to catch any new spot fires. The Rock fire is estimated at 2 acres.

October 11, 2026 at 3:15 PM AIr Attack states dozers are needed to make access to the fire. Rock IC is requesting two dozers, four water tenders and five engines.

CAL FIRE Air Attack plane 440 flying against a clear blue sky
Air Attack over the Rock incident. Photo YubaNet

October 11, 2026 at 3:08 PM Engines to stage on Rector and Rock Creek.

October 11, 2026 at 3:07 PM The fire is located on Rock Creek and Running Horse, some spot fires across the retardant line. Winds are out of the southeast.

October 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM Helicopter 514 is on approach, they can set down for the crew at the heel of the fire.

October 11, 2026 at 3:04 PM Air Attack reports the fire is transitioning from grass to brush, no structures threatened.

October 11, 2026 at 3:01 PM Air Attack reports less than 1/4 acre, tanker will drop across the head.

October 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM Reported vegetation fire on Rock Creek Road, units dispatched. Aircraft have lifted for the Rock incident