Last night, fire leadership on the Plumas and Tahoe national forests declared the Gold Complex officially controlled. The wildlife complex — including the Smith and Mill fires — was ignited by lightning July 22 and burned on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District and Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District.
PNF Closure Order 05-11-01-24-02 has been lifted. The closure of the area on the TNF referenced as Forest Order 17-24-15 remains in place and the public is asked to avoid the area.
Controlled does not mean the fire is out, say personnel. They advise those entering burned areas be aware of their surroundings and watch for hazards. This includes fire-damaged trees, possible snags and falling branches, isolated pockets of heat and even burning. Soils may also be less stable in these areas.
Firefighters are continuing to patrol the fires in the Gold Complex.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest, Tahoe National Forest
