Fire tops 900,000 acre mark
The Dixie Fire continued its march toward a million acres Sunday night and Monday morning, burning another 11,436 acres and growing to 910,495 acres overall.
The fire, which started July 13, is in its 54th day. It is 57 percent contained. The full containment date has yet to be determined.
In the west zone, the fire continued to burn out in the heavy material and was moderated by smoke settling over the fire area. Active fire was limited to ground fuels consisting of backing and flanking the fire Monday. Inside pockets continued to burn through the night well inside the fire perimeter, according to Cal Fire’s morning update Monday.
All firefighting methods available in the Lassen Volcanic National Park have been deployed while maintaining firefighter safety.
In the east zone, the fire continued to generate extreme fire behavior, spreading south and east in very dry and receptive fuels.
Smoke is expected to linger in the valleys with hot, dry and breezy weather persisting for the next few days, Cal Fire said. Throughout Sunday, the fire was very active in the Ross Canyon Area north of Dixie Valley, threatening structures and giving firefighters a challenge.
Crews from the west zone continue to assist the east zone. Many evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings and many warnings have been lifted, allowing some residents to return to their homes and businesses. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and to monitor evacuation information and road closures, including social media and local law enforcement websites, for the most current information.
According to CalFire, there has
has been been one first responder fatality and three first responder injuries. There have been no civilian injuries or fatalities. 5,958 structures have been threatened and 1,282 have been destroyed. 688 single residences have been destroyed and 52 have been damaged. Eight multiple residences have been destroyed. Four multiple residences have been damaged.
The firefighter assigned to the Dixie Fire who passed away Thursday due to an illness has been identified as Marcus Pacheco, 53, of Susanville.
In a press release, the Forest service said “Marcus Pacheco dedicated his life to firefighting and served the Forest Service and other agencies in working to protect all Californians during this unprecedented fire year. Marcus will be mourned by all that knew and cared for him.”