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- the complex in Alameda, Stanislaus, Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties. Find the latest information here. There is a public information line at 669-247-7431.
- Incident page
LNU Lightning Complex | Napa, Sonoma, Solano
- Size: 124,100 acres, 0% contained
- Evacuations: There are mandatory evacuations for the complex in Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Solano counties. Find the latest information here. Solano County is also providing a map of evacuations here. There is a public information line at 707-967-4207.
- Incident page
Jones Fire | Nevada County
- Size: 705 acres, 5% contained
- Evacuations: Nevada County is updating amap of evacuations here. As of Aug. 19 at 9 p.m., areas to the south of the fire that were previously under evacuation orders are now downgraded to an evacuation warning.
- Incident page
Loyalton Fire | Sierra County
- Size: 46,617 acres, 38% contained
- Evacuations: There are mandatory evacuations in portions of Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties. Find the latest information here.
- Incident page
Butte Lightning Complex | Butte County
- Size: 1,500 acres, 10% contained
- Evacuations:The Butte County Sheriff's Office is posting emergency alerts with evacuation information here. There is a public information line at (530) 538-7826.
- Incident page
Potter's Fire | Butte County
- Size: 930 acres, 20% contained
- Evacuations:The Butte County Sheriff's Office is posting emergency alerts with evacuation information here. The county is also updating a map of evacuations here. There is a public information line at (530) 538-7826.
- Incident page
Wildfire Map
Latest Updates
Some Jones Fire evacuation orders downgraded to warnings
LNU Lightning Fires threaten 25,000 structures, some Travis personnel evacuated
Part of I-80 closed in Solano County due to fire
California battling more than 300 known fires, Newsom says
Air quality alert issued in Yolo, Solano counties due to wildfires
Thursday, August 20
6:24 a.m.: Some Jones Fire evacuation orders downgraded to warnings
Last night, authorities reduced the mandatory evacuation orders for several areas south of the Jones Fire to evacuation warnings.
As of last night, there were at least 854 residents under a mandatory evacuation order due to the fire and another 1,153 under en evacuation warning.
There are currently two temporary evacuation points open for the fire, one at Ready Springs School at 10862 Spenceville Road in Penn Valley and one at Magnolia Intermediate School at 22431 Kingston Lane in Grass Valley. The Alder Creek School Temporary Evacuation Point was closed yesterday evening due to extremely poor air quality, low utilization and a lack of available hotel rooms in the area.
You can find the latest information on Jones Fire evacuations here.
Wednesday, August, 19
8:54 p.m.: LNU Lightning Fires threaten 25,000 structures, some Travis personnel evacuated
The LNU Lightning Complex fires burning in Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties has destroyed 105 structures and threatens another 25,000, according to Cal Fire.
The group of fires — which includes the Hennessey, Gamble and Spanish fires — has now burned 124,100 acres with 0% containment. Four people have been injured.
Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield announced it was evacuating "non-mission essential personnel and their family members."
5:09 p.m.: Part of I-80 closed in Solano County due to fire
UPDATE: I-80 has been reopened
#UPDATE: All lanes are now open on Interstate 80 at Air Base Parkway in Fairfield. #SolanoCounty#KnowBeforeYouGo#TRAFFICALERTpic.twitter.com/mQAImEdsrr
— Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) August 20, 2020
PREVIOUS POST: A portion of Interstate 80 in Solano County has been closed due to the LNU Lightning Complex fires.
All lanes of the freeway are blocked from Air Base to Cherry Glenn Road in Fairfield, and motorists are advised to use other routes.
Residents in the some areas of Vacaville and Fairfield in Solano Counties have been evacuated after the LNU Lightning Complex moved swiftly into the area Wednesday.
#TRAFFICALERT: Interstate 80 (SOLANO COUNTY) CLOSURE DUE TO FIRE. I-80 from Air Base to Cherry Glenn Road in Fairfield, all lanes are blocked due to a fire. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes. #KnowBeforeYouGo#LNULightningComplex#SolanoCountypic.twitter.com/Y0krhSMQL0
— Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) August 19, 2020
4:36 p.m.: California battling more than 300 known fires, Newsom says
Following the heatwave and lightning strikes in California, crews in the state are currently battling 367 known fires, Gov. Gavin Newsom said today in an update on the wildfires, heat and COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
Newsom also reported that there have been at least 10,849 lightning strikes in the last few days in the state, which have sparked some of the fires. The governor declared a state of emergency over the fires on Tuesday.
12:02 p.m.: Air quality alert issued in Yolo, Solano counties due to wildfires
The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert due to smoke from wildfires burning throughout the region.
The district includes Yolo County and the northeast part of Solano County, which includes Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista. There are currently fires burning in Vacaville and Winters within the district, and air quality was already unhealthy due to smoke from the LNU Lightning Complex fires that began in Napa County on Monday and have since spread to the Vacaville area.
The district recommends that residents limit their time spent outdoors to reduce exposure to smoke, and that residents avoid outdoor exercise. Cloth masks, like those worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are not adequate to prevent the inhalation of wildfire smoke.
Wondering what you need to know about air quality during fire season? Learn more here.
11:25 a.m.: Some evacuation warnings lifted for Jones Fire
Last night, authorities lifted the Jones Fire evacuation warning for the areas south of Ridge Road and Rough and Ready Highway in Nevada County.
Highway 49 also remains closed in parts of the county, and may stay closed through the weekend as crews work to contain the fire. Sierra College’s Nevada County Campus also remains closed due to the fire.
SR-49 in @NevadaCountyCA will remain CLOSED through today and possibly through the weekend for fire suppression activities. Please follow @NevCoOES for fire and evacuation updates. @CALFIRENEUhttps://t.co/PSL4egBdXi
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) August 19, 2020
You can find the latest information on evacuations and road closures in Nevada County here.
6:22 a.m.: Evacuations in Solano County
There are new evacuations in Solano County for the LNU Lightning Complex fires, which have now burned 46,225 acres with 0% containment.
According to the Solano County Sheriff's Office, the evacuation order is for west of Blue Ridge Road to 505, and north of Cherry Glen Road to Highway 128. The order means "there is immediate threat to life."
#LNULightningComplex - 7 a.m. Incident Update 08-19-2020 pic.twitter.com/G1HedVQyfM
— CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) August 19, 2020
Evacuation centers have been opened at the
- Ulatis Community Center at 1000 Ulatis Drive
- McBride Senior Center at 91 Town Square Place
- Padan School at 200 Padan School Rd.
- Fairmont School at 1355 Marshall Rd.
- Sierra Vista School at 301 Bel Air Dr.
- Guru Nanak Sikh Temple at 2948 Rockville Rd. will be open at 4:30 a.m. for service animals only
Yolo County is updating a map of evacuation orders here.
The complex contains the Hennesey, Gamble, Spanish, Markely and 15-10 fires. According to Cal Fire, the complex was started by lightning strikes Monday morning.
The Hennessey Fire which is part of the LNU Lighting Complex made a major run towards Vacaville last night. Be sure to follow local evacuation orders. #HennesseyFire#LNULightningComplex#CAwxpic.twitter.com/Opos8s4YAs
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) August 19, 2020
Tuesday, August 18
7:08 p.m.: Newsom declares emergency over wildfire
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency Tuesday over wildfires burning throughout California as the state's power grid operator pleaded for continued conservation to avoid rolling blackouts.
The grid operator praised residents and businesses for astonishing conservation efforts that kept the power on Monday night. The state is in a days-long heatwave that has stressed the electrical system and resulted in rolling blackouts over two nights last weekend. Outages, excessive heat, wildfire and the pandemic have people on edge.
Evacuations were in effect or growing in several Northern California communities because of growing fires. Newsom demanded an investigation into two smaller weekend blackouts.
— The Associated Press
6:26 p.m.: All evacuations lifted for Potters Fire
The Butte County Sheriff's Office announced all mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted for the Potters Fire.
#ButteLightningComplex [update] All evacuation Orders have been lifted or downgraded to warnings for the #PottersFire. All residents may return to their homes. Stay tuned for more information.
— CAL FIRE Butte Unit/Butte County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_ButteCo) August 19, 2020
Some areas remain under an evacuation warning. You can see an updated map of evacuation zones here.
5:07 p.m.: Crews continue to battle Jones Fire in Nevada County
Crews are continuing to fight the Jones Fire burning in Nevada County as residents evacuate due to the blaze.
So far, four structures had been destroyed and at least 4,000 people were under mandatory or advisory evacuation orders, according to Cal Fire.
#JonesIncident [Update] Jones Bar Road and Newtown Road Nevada County. Firefighters made good progress overnight. Steep terrain and difficult access our challenges that continue today. The fire is estimated at 550 acres with 5% containment. pic.twitter.com/Mhc6ZG8nht
— CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (@CALFIRENEU) August 18, 2020
Nevada County has issued new evacuation warnings and mandatory evacuation orders for some areas of the county as the fire spreads. You can find the latest evacuation information here.
As of this afternoon, 350 personnel were battling the fire. Cal Fire reported crews made good progress overnight last night with favorable weather and temperatures in the 70s and 80s, but that the terrain in the area has been a challenge.
YubaNet will be hosting a virtual town hall to brief residents on the Jones Fire on Tuesday, August 19 at 9 a.m. with Cal Fire Chief Brian Estes, Nevada County Consolidated Fire Chief Jim Turner, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon and Nevada County CEO Alison Lehman.
8:05 a.m.: Crews work to contain Loyalton Fire as lightning remains an issue
The Loyalton Fire grew to 44,147 acres overnight but firefighters were able to prevent any further structures from being destroyed.
Last night fire officials said crews focused on containing the spread near the east of Loyalton, and in keeping the fire northeast of Sierra Brooks. A strong thunder cell last evening made the fire more difficult to control.
Five homes and six buildings have been destroyed by the fire. So far the blaze is 10% contained.
Evacuations remain in place, but Highway 70 is open though under advisory, as fire activity could warrant another closure. Highway 395 is reopened. Find the latest information on evacuations and closures here.
6:09 a.m.: Nearly 4,000 people evacuated for Jones Fire in Nevada County
Nevada County officials say 3,891 residents have been evacuated because of the Jones Fire burning near Nevada City, with more than 11,000 under an evacuation warning.
The fire has now burned 340 acres with 0% containment. It's believed the fire was started by lightning strikes Monday morning as overnight storms came through the South Yuba River canyon in Nevada City.
The county has set up three temporary evacuation points:
- Ready Springs School: 10862 Spenceville Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946
- Cottage Hill Elementary School: 22600 Kingston Lane, Grass Valley, CA 95949
- Alder Creek Middle School: 10931 Alder Dr, Truckee, CA 96161
Monday, August 17
6:18 p.m.: Evacuations expand for Jones, Butte fires
A series of lightning fires in Butte County and the Jones Fire in Nevada County have led to expanded evacuations Friday evening.
Nevada County is now updating a map of evacuations here.
The Butte County Sheriff's Office is posting emergency alerts with evacuation information here.
The EVACUATION WARNING has been upgraded to an EVACUATION ORDER for residents living on the north side of ORANGE AVENUE from the roundabout to LONG BAR ROAD to include residents on the north side of LONG BAR ROAD all the way to the FEATHER RIVER.
— Butte County Sheriff (@ButteSheriff) August 18, 2020
8.17.20 6:02pm.#PottersFirepic.twitter.com/xffXcT5OSW
3:27 p.m.: Evacuations in place for fires in Butte, Nevada counties
Fires burning in Butte and Nevada counties are prompting evacuation orders and warnings after lightning and dry conditions sparked multiple fires.
Cal Fire is reporting 29 different fires have started around Butte County due to lightning strikes from thunderstorms that have moved through Northern California the past few days. Cal Fire and the county have opened a call center for residents with questions regarding the fires. The number is (530) 538-7826.
#CALFIRE and our forest fire agency partners: w/Ca Mutual Aid support and #CalGuard are responding to hundreds of #LightningFires throughout Central and Northern CA. Most will never make the news. Some are large and difficult to suppress. Be https://t.co/nPxWcKjFge@CAgovernorpic.twitter.com/jNYF0qd2Uo
— CAL FIRE Chief Thom Porter (@CALFIRE_CHIEF) August 17, 2020
The agency is now calling this the Butte Lightning Complex, which includes the Potters Ravine Fire northeast of Oroville. Evacuation orders are in place, and the fires have burned at least 100 acres.
EVACUATION ORDER
— Butte County Sheriff (@ButteSheriff) August 17, 2020
8.17.20 3:45 p.m.#PottersFire#ButteSheriffpic.twitter.com/ylnT2k6ngc
Evacuation orders have been called for the Jones Fire in Nevada County northwest of Nevada City, which as of 3 p.m. had burned 55 acres.
Highway 49 closed from Newtown Rd to Reader Ranch Rd due to the #JonesFire. Please avoid the area.
— Nevada County OES (@NevCoOES) August 17, 2020
Additional evacuations for the #JonesFire
• Lost Ranch Wy
— Nevada County OES (@NevCoOES) August 17, 2020
• Owl Creek Rd
• Yuba Ridge Dr
• Red Tail Hawk Rd
• Kodama Rd
• Baron Owl Lane
• Denmark Ct
• Holland Dr
EVACUATION WARNING
— Butte County Sheriff (@ButteSheriff) August 17, 2020
8.17.20
12:40 p.m. #PottersRavineFire#ButteSheriffpic.twitter.com/wzM8Jkn9xB
1:26 p.m.: Red Flag warnings in effect as thunderstorms persist
A Red Flag warning is still in effect for much of Northern California today as thunderstorms and lightning strikes continue to move through the region.
⚠️Red Flag Warning continues for parts of the Sacramento Valley today as scattered thunderstorms have the potential to produce dry lightning with little rainfall. #CAwxpic.twitter.com/5391XCthzs
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) August 17, 2020
Butte County officials say at least 21 different fires have started in their area.
6:48 a.m.: Loyalton Fire in Sierra County continues to grow
The Loyalton Fire in Sierra County is now estimated at 36,295 acres and is 5% contained. As of 5:25 a.m. Monday, there were mandatory evacuations in portions of Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties.
Sunday, August 16
1:10 p.m.: Thunderstorms bring chance of wildfire to Northern California
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Northern California through Monday afternoon for thunderstorms and abundant lightning.
#RT@CAL_FIRE: #RedFlagWarning in effect for northern California today until tomorrow afternoon for thunderstorms and abundant lightning. Take time to make sure you and your family are wildfire ready. More tips: https://t.co/xjkd2kevW9pic.twitter.com/FVJurWDead
— CAL FIRE PIO (@CALFIRE_PIO) August 16, 2020
Western Nevada is also facing a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which may start new fires, with possible lightning and gusty winds up to 50 mph.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 9 am to 9 pm today for fast-moving storms capable of creating new fire starts with cloud-to-ground lightning. Gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph are expected. Report new fires to local emergency officials. pic.twitter.com/0rWxXgjZ0I
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) August 16, 2020
10:01 a.m.: Loyalton Fire now 20,000 acres
The Loyalton Fire in Sierra County is now estimated at 20,000 acres and is 5% contained. As of 5 p.m. Saturday, there were mandatory evacuations in portions of Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties.
The fire started Friday evening east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire behavior is extreme and smoke is visible throughout the Sierra Valley and North Reno.
On Saturday, the National Weather Service in Reno issued a tornado warning for Southeastern Lassen County. This may have been the first-ever fire tornado warning. Tornado threats have since decreased, but the NWS is warning civilians to stay away from the area.
Camping trip with @timblivion at Chilcoot was cut short by the #LoyaltonFire but I shot this time lapse vid of the #Firenado before we left yesterday. pic.twitter.com/14vbrJp207
— brandi brooks (@Branblivion) August 16, 2020
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