August 6, 2021 - The forecast has moderated, yet hot temperatures and low humidity remain with the possibility of afternoon SW winds gusting to 25 mph. Smoke is settling lower, bringing unhealthy air quality to Sierra communities along U.S. 395 from Susanville to Doyle. The inversion will hamper visibility for air support yet may also limit fire growth. However, when it lifts, intense surface fire, group tree torching, short runs of fire along the treetop crowns and short-range spotting are anticipated.
On the East Zone, the fast-moving fire grew by 71,000 acres, the largest overnight growth yet, with the blaze reaching Cairn Butte and Moonlight Valley. Preservation of human life remains the top priority. Crews have successfully conducted strategic burning operations around Crescent Mills to help protect the town.
Today, wildland firefighters with afternoon air support, including air tankers and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), will strengthen structure protection along the east shore of Lake Almanor, Clear Creek, Westwood and Hunts Valley. Air water drops and fire retardant do not put out the fire and are ineffective on crown fires, but do limit fire growth, allowing time for ground crews to work. Structure protection may include cutting handline, using chain saws to limb trees, removing brush, laying hose lines and assessing whether fire engines have a path to protect homes. Crews will also be removing brush around valuable infrastructure and using fire-resistant material to wrap the Dyer Mountain repeater site and Hamilton Mountain communication site. Damage teams will be assessing significant loss in Canyondam and Greenville. Fire Managers continue to strategize tactics to protect cultural resources; critical infrastructure, including telecommunications lines; and private property and private timberlands in the path of possible future fire growth to Peninsula Village and Greenhorn. Multiple additional resources, which will help implement these strategies, have been ordered and we await their arrival.
Dixie Fire West Zone – The Dixie Fire remained very active overnight with warm temperatures, poor relative humidity recoveries, and strong overnight winds fueling fire behavior. The fire continues to move towards control lines, burning unburned interior islands and ridges. Steep terrain, heavy fuel loading, spot fires, and wind in alignment with canyons is making control difficult. The fire is expected to remain active in the morning hours. The valleys will see better relative humidity recovery today, which will enable crews to make headway on building containment lines. Damage assessment teams are assessing the fire area.
The public is strongly encouraged to heed evacuation orders and warnings, as rescuing the public take firefighters away from fighting fire. Those living near the fire should create defensible space, visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
Source: U.S. Forest Service-Plumas National Forest
