Dixie, River and Tamarack fire updates

The River Fire that started on August 4 near the town of Colfax is now 68 percent contained and has burned 2,619 acres as of Monday morning. The cause of the fire that started near Milk Ranch Road and Bear River Campground Road, north of Applegate, is still under investigation.

Damage inspection teams continue working in conjunction with the Nevada County and Placer County building departments and environmental health department. They have identified 88 structures that were destroyed, 20 damaged.

494 fire fighting personnel remain assigned to the fire. All Evacuation Warnings have been lifted in both Nevada and Placer Counties but those repopulating are being asked to watch for fire equipment in the area.

The Dixie Fire is now the second largest wildland fire in California’s history. For the last couple of days, more moderate fire activity has allowed firefighters the opportunity to engage safely along the fireline. However, today starts a drying trend in the weather forecast, returning to warmer temperatures and gusty, southwest winds throughout the week.

As of Monday morning, 489,287 acres have burned and the fire containment has been reduced to 21 percent because of growth. The fire started on July 13 and the cause is under investigation.

Unable to staff contingency lines due to all resources committed to Fire Front Following, providing structure defense in surrounding impacted communities.

Today's goal is to provide structure defense in communities at risk: Chester, Hwy 36 corridor, Hwy 89 Corridor, Paxton, Greenville, Jonesville, Crescent Mills, Taylorsville, Prattville, Canyon Dam, Butte Meadows, Bucks Lake, Meadows Valley, Rush Creek, Warner Valley, Pecks Valley, Williams Valley, Hunt Canyon, and Greater Almanor area. Continue tactical patrol in the communities impacted by fire.

5,137 personnel are working the massive fire. Numerous evacuations remain - to see a full list and fire updates, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7690/.

The nearby Beckwourth Complex is now 98% contained and burned 105,670 acres. It was the large fire as the Dixie Fire was kept small.

South of Lake Tahoe in Alpine and Douglas counties, the Tamarack Fire has burned 68,696 acres and is 80% contained. Crews will be doing hazard tree mitigation in Markleeville and Pleasant Valley areas.