The Plumas and Tahoe national forests report that a Type 3 incident management team from Plumas National Forest has taken command of the Gold Complex Fires as of this morning. The Gold Complex, including the Smith Fire and the Mill Fire, is currently burning on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District and Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District.
California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 has transitioned off the Gold Complex. Local forest personnel thank Team 10 members for their work on this incident over the past week.
The Smith Fire is 100% contained. Firefighters are continuing to patrol in the area. Some isolated smoke may occasionally be visible in the far interior, especially during the afternoons and evenings as hot weather returns.
Firefighters are continuing to work on mop-up and suppression repair work on the Mill Fire, which is 98% contained. Backhaul of supplies is also continuing. Containment efforts July 30 were focused on the eastern flank of the fire, where a few small sections of line were yet to be mopped up to 100 feet interior. As with the Smith Fire, pockets of interior burning may become more visible along with increased smoke as hot weather returns.
High temperatures returned today and are expected to persist in the upper 80s to low 90s through the end of this week. Smoke from the Park Fire is impacting air quality and visibility. The extended forecast includes a chance for thunderstorms and lightning starting Friday evening and continuing through the weekend.
The Plumas National Forest is currently under Stage II fire restrictions and the Tahoe National Forest is in Stage I fire restrictions. Forest personnel encourage everyone to make sure to be familiar with the restrictions for the national forest where they are planning to recreate. Those in areas where they can have a campfire must make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving. Forest personnel ask that everyone be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire and report suspected wildfires by calling 911.
Quick facts
- Acres: Mill, 2,962; Smith, 45
- Containment: Mill 98%; Smith 100%
- Detection date: July 22, 2024
- Cause: lightning
- Total resources: 146
- Crews: 4
- Engines: 9
- Dozers: 1
- Water tenders: 6
- Helicopters: available as needed
Information provided by Plumas National Forest, Tahoe National Forest
