Dixie Fire update Tuesday: Structure protection continues in Janesville, Milford and Genesee Valley

The Dixie Fire burning near Susanville has been mapped at 731,310 acres and was 41 percent contained as of Tuesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire.

The fire is burning in the Lassen and Plumas National Forests. It has destroyed 1,262 structures and is being fought by 5918 firefighters, made up of 100 crews, with 19 helicopters, 469 engines, 200 dozers and 184 water tenders. Go here for the latest numbers and updates from Cal Fire.

In its Tuesday morning update, Cal Fire reports the eastern edge of the fire line toward Janesville and Milford have remained secure. On the southern edge above Antelope Lake, resources continue to work the fire's edge with dozers and hand lines to tie it into the lake. On Tuesday, crews from the west zone supplemented firefighters from the Milford and Janesville area fire so they could relocate to the south end of Genesee Valley to surge resources in critical areas. Here's the rest of the report:

In Genesee Valley, the fire is burning aggressively downhill, and firefighters continue to engage the fire as it makes its way down to the road where they continue to catch any spots or slops while securing it at the road. The spot below the Grizzly Peak continues to burn up the hill towards the main spot. The spot is now estimated at 560 acres. Work continues on the contingency line in the event of the spot burning south. Crews worked to minimize any spread moving toward homes, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters continue putting in direct and indirect line to tie the fire into the Genesee Road and the Walker Fire Scar. In Taylorsville, Peters Creek, firefighters are going direct on the fires edge, mopping up and patrolling around all the structures. A contingency line above Taylorsville is being constructed, and drones will be flying tonight, if conditions allow, to add depth and reduce the fire behavior as it comes down the hill. The full contingent of aircraft continues to make drops as visibility allows. Contingency lines are being put in place to the south of Grizzly Ridge.

Dixie Fire West Zone:
Lower humidity allowed for burning conditions to remain active for most of the night, primarily in the heavy fuels. Smoke settled into the lower valleys moderating activity in the lighter fuels. Fire activity was mainly limited to ground fire and isolated torching outside of the firing operations.

Considerably drier conditions were observed with relative humidity recoveries in the 50 to 60 percent for most areas. Certain evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings and certain warnings have been lifted allowing some residents to return to their homes and businesses. Returning residents are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant with regard to current fire conditions.

Residents may see smoke coming from trees and stumps for days following their return. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they are concerned about any active flames near their homes or businesses rather than attempting to deal with such flames themselves.

Northern California has experienced large fire activity and will likely experience an extended fire season. Fires burning in northern California are exhibiting extreme fire growth based on critical fuel conditions. The prioritization of resources is always based on life, property, and natural resources.

Under these drought conditions, wildfires are burning rapidly with extreme severity and have traveled up to 8 miles in a single day. Fuel conditions are much worse than previous years and along with wind is causing much greater fire spread. Firefighters are experiencing conditions never seen before, such as increased spread rates, spotting and active nighttime burning.

The Dixie Fire has resulted in structure damage, evacuation orders, and evacuation warnings. Many roads are closed, as are the national forests. Air quality in the nearby communities has been unhealthy due to smoke.

For more information on the Dixie Fire visit the following links:

CAL FIRE https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
USFS Information https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7690/

Road Closures
Public traveling in or near evacuated areas should follow egress route directions identified in the evacuation notifications. Directions provided by mobile devices and GPS units could lead drivers into hazardous areas. Motorists are encouraged to call 1-800-427-7623 for highway information as roadway conditions remain dynamic.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is closed.

Lassen County:
SR-36 westbound @ SR-44. No westbound SR-36 traffic.
SR-36 east of the town of Westwood @ the “Old Chimney” landmark. No eastbound SR-36 traffic.
Wingfield Road westbound @ Bass Hill Road.
Janesville Grade westbound @ US-395.
Main Street westbound @ US-395.
Church Street westbound @ US-395.
Sears Road westbound @ US-395.
Milford Grade westbound @ US-395.
Hicks Road westbound @ US-395.
A21 Closed

Plumas County:
Indian Falls Road @ SR-89. No westbound Indian Falls Road traffic.
Greenville Wolf Creek Road just west of SR-89. No westbound Greenville Wolf Creek Road traffic.
Pecks Valley Road northbound @ North Valley Road eastbound.
North Valley Road northbound @ Diamond Mountain Road.
Dixie Valley Road @ SR-89. No northbound Dixie Valley Road traffic.
Arlington Road eastbound at Viacava Ranch Road. No eastbound Arlington Road traffic.
Main Street both directions @ SR-89
Beckwourth Genesee Road westbound @ Antelope Road.
National Forest Closures:

Tehama County:
SR-36 westbound at SR-32.
SR-36 eastbound @ Aspin Lane.
SR 172 on both ends of SR 36.

The Lassen National Forest (LNF) implemented Forest Order 06-21-08 as of August 12, 2021 (Dixie Fire Closure Order) to protect public health and safety through November 30, 2021.