LOYALTON FIRE

UPDATE 2 | AUGUST 16, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire was sparked by an unknown ignition on August 14th around 1630 hours, is burning 4 miles east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbirth, California.  It is just north of Reno (Washoe County), Nevada.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire is still currently at the time of this post was published holding at 20,000 acres with a 5% containment status.  Fire behavior is extreme with wind-driven runs, short-range spotting and running.

The CA Team 10, a Type 2 IMT is currently mobilizing today.

Homes are still being threatened,  prompting evacuations and closures in effect.

The cost-to-date in fire suppression and containment expenses have reached $1 Million.

ALERTS!

• See Evacuation orders for impacted areas
• RED FLAG WARNING in the Washoe County (NV) area from 0900 – 1900 PT (9am-7pm) for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds. Conditions remain hot/dry.
• Do not call 9-1-1 about the Loyalton Fire. There are no fires in the Washoe County area.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties, as well as for the following areas:

• Chilcoot, south of Hwy 70
• Long Valley Road and Scott’s Flat Road south of Hwy 70
• West of Hwy 395 from Hallelujah unction to Cold Springs
• Cold Springs and Bordertown
• West side of US 395

ADVISORY EVACUATIONS

Advisory Evacuation orders for the following:

• Vinton
• Chilcoot, north of Hwy 70
• East of 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Cold Springs

EVACUATION SHELTER

• Washoe County Senior Services. 1155 E 9th Street, Reno, NV. For residents under evacuation advisories.

ROAD CLOSURES

Closures are in effect for:

• Hwy 70 from Hwy 49 to Hwy 395
• Hwy 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Border Town
• UPDATE | Hwy 395 open with CHP escort

RESOURCES

There are 441 total personnel including 11 crews, 35 engines and 6 helos. Resource orders are starting to appear from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Interagency (1243) and Arizona Dispatch Center (1310 MST) Comm Centers, sending reinforcements as mutual aid.

Incident Cooperators Include: Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (CA), Washoe County (NV), Tahoe National Forest. BLM Nevada, Reno FD, EFP Firefighters, Tahoe FFD, Central Lyon FD, Washoe County EQ, Washoe County SO, Tahoe NF, Red Cross.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/16/2020 

LOYALTON FIRE

UPDATE 1 | AUGUST 16, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire was sparked by an unknown ignition on August 14th around 1630 hours, is burning east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbirth and just north of Reno, Nevada.

CURRENT STATUS

The fire was said to be at least 20,000 acres of timber, sage and grass has been destroyed but fire crews have reached a 5% containment status.

Fire behavior is extreme with wind-driven runs with short-range spotting with rapid rates of spread.  It has forced many evacuations, road closures and creating its very own and dangerous fire tornadoes.

The fire jumped Highway 395 with vehicles stuck on the road.  Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue’s Brush Engine 44 provided cover as they worked tirelessly and under pressure to help assist drivers evacuate the area. No injuries were reported. (1926 PT)

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties, as well as for the following areas:

• Chilcoot, south of Hwy 70
• Long Valley Road and Scott’s Flat Road south of Hwy 70
• West of Hwy 395 from Hallelujah unction to Cold Springs

ADVISORY EVACUATIONS

Advisory Evacuation orders for the following:

• Vinton
• Chilcoot, north of Hwy 70
• East of 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Cold Springs

ROAD CLOSURES

Closures are in effect for:

• Hwy 70 from Hwy 49 to Hwy 395
• Hwy 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Border Town

RESOURCES

There are approximately 441 total personnel that represent many California and Nevada fire agencies.

Incident Cooperators Include: Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (CA), Washoe County (NV), Tahoe National Forest. BLM Nevada, Reno FD, EFP Firefighters, Tahoe FFD, Central Lyon FD.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/16/2020 0225 PT