Smoke begins to dissipate in the area
Cal Fire reported Thursday that as smoke dissipates they will be able to resume attacking the North Complex Fire from the air.
“The resources have been ready and waiting, but have just needed the safe conditions to fly, and land,” according to the Yuba County Sheriff ’s Department.
A weather system moved into the area Thursday bringing improved firefighting conditions with cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels, according to the National Weather Service. Gusty winds were also forecast through today (Friday), which could elevate fire weather concerns; but the National Weather Service said the areas that will be most affected by the winds are in the higher elevations of the Northern Sierra.
As of Thursday, air quality in the Yuba-sutter region was listed as moderate and is anticipated to stay at that level into the weekend as the smoke in the area is forecast to move out of the area and to the east.
Yuba County Sheriff ’s
Department officials said Cal Fire continued to work to strengthen the containment lines Thursday, with a focus on the south and eastern lines of the fire on the Butte county side. Those are areas of concern after the fire jumped containment lines overnight Wednesday and made an approximately 50-acre run toward the Yuba County line in the area west of Clipper Mills and Strawberry Valley, near Sly Creek.
“They are battling a tremendous amount of fuels from the South Fork of the Feather River that has not seen fire in over 100 years, and is located in very challenging rugged terrain,” Yuba County
I asked if Cal Fire would be willing to buy local to help restaurants with the loss of sales during COVID-19,” said Nicoletti. “They enthusiastically said yes, with conditions.”
According to Nicoletti, Calfire officials wanted to utilize just one vendor that could offer individual meals rather than buffet style dining with relatively little notice – a tall order, said Nicoletti, since the number of meals could vary drastically based on fire conditions and required manpower.
Nicoletti said he reached out to 12 local food service businesses, giving them each just a few hours notice to prepare and pack 50 to 130 individual meals for breakfast or dinner service.
“Our local independent restaurant owners completely rock,” said Nicoletti. “The feeling of cooking for and powering up our firefighters that were fighting to save our own local’s homes, felt like we were in the fight side by side and it was an awesome feeling.”
According to Nicoletti, the Yuba-sutter Chamber of Commerce also helped to boost local restaurants after receiving financial support to purchase restaurant gift cards to be used for nonprofits and people in need.
Nicoletti said Chamber CEO Marni Sanders jumped into action and bought cards from local food purveyors and began helping evacuees and their families.
“It was an incredible synergy,” said Nicoletti. “When it comes to helping our own neighbors, just try to get there before we do ... we’ll be ready to offer you some care and comfort when you get there.”