The Plumas and Tahoe national forests have provided an update on the Gold Complex Fires — Smith Fire and Mill Fire — currently burning on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District and Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District.
A Type 3 incident management team from the Plumas National Forest is now in command of the incident. With predicted thunderstorms and lightning, wildland firefighting resources on the incident are prepared to support on local initial attack if needed, say forest personnel.
Closure orders are still in effect on the Tahoe and Plumas national forests in the area southeast of the junction of California highways 70 and 89 to the Tahoe forest boundary west of County Road A-23. For both fires, area residents and visitors are advised to watch for wildland firefighter traffic entering and exiting roads near the fire area. Forest personnel ask everyone to reduce speed and use caution around fire equipment.
Recreation sites at Lake Davis and in the Lakes Basin are open this weekend. Smoke impacts to the recreation areas are primarily from the Park Fire and expected to be reduced as winds shift.
The Smith Fire is in patrol status and there is a continued firefighter presence in the area. Some isolated smoke may occasionally be visible in the far interior, especially during the afternoons and evenings.
Firefighters are continuing to work on mop up, suppression repair and patrol on the Mill Fire. Backhaul of supplies is continuing. There are pockets of interior burning that may become more visible with increased smoke.
The forecast includes high temperatures and a chance of thunderstorms. While storms bring a chance of rain, there is also the possibility of lightning.
The Plumas National Forest is currently under Stage II fire restrictions and the Tahoe National Forest is now in Stage III fire restrictions. Visitors should be familiar with the restrictions for the national forest where they are planning to recreate. Those in an area where they can have a campfire should make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch when leaving. Everyone must be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire, say forest personnel. Suspected wildfires should be reported 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