The Plumas and Tahoe national forests provide an update as of the morning of July 26 for the Gold Complex Fires currently burning on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District and Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District. Gold Complex includes the Smith and Mill fires.
As of yesterday, some evacuations have been downgraded. Specific evacuation information is posted on the Facebook pages of the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office and Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.
Everyone is welcome to join the Forest Service for another Ask-the-Incident-Commander meeting set for 2 p.m. today, technology permitting, via the Plumas National Forest Facebook page.
Infrared mapping is showing very little heat remaining in the Smith Fire, and crews will continue today to patrol and mop up any heat sources that could threaten containment. Containment is now listed at 60%.
The Mill Fire, listed at 10% contained, is also showing reduced heat. Infrared mapping showed some minor lingering heat northeast of Whitehawk and crews will focus on that today. Other priorities include completing contingency lines that were put in to protect communities and energy infrastructure, as well as backhauling any unused equipment and trash. Areas of heat remain inside containment lines and area residents and visitors can expect to see isolated smokes in the coming days.
The Mill Fire containment lines continued to hold yesterday, despite high winds that persisted through the afternoon. During a reconnaissance flight July 25, fire staff noted several large burning snags near containment lines. Crews and aircraft worked through those areas into the evening to ensure that the fire did not spot outside its current perimeter.
Dry weather with a gradual cooling trend is expected today. Winds are predicted to increase around the fire area in the afternoon, but not to critical levels.
Quick facts
- Acres: Mill, 2,962; Smith, 45.
- Containment: Mill 10%; Smith 60%.
- Detection date: July 22, 2024.
- Cause: lightning.
- Total resources: 765.
- Crews: 13.
- Engines: 97.
- Dozers: 7.
- Helicopters: 9, plus mapping-capable unmanned aircraft systems.
- Fixed-wing aircraft: available as needed.
Gold Complex information
Maps and operational updates are available at http://www.inciweb.wildfire.gov/. Real-time map-based information is available with no login required at http://www.egp.wildfire.gov/egp/Default.aspx.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest, Tahoe National Forest
