Firefighter Blog: Overnight Winds Force Evacuation Of Concow

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July 08, 2008

Overnight Winds Force Evacuation Of Concow

East winds fanned flames on the Butte Lightning Complex fires overnight forcing mandatory evacuations in Concow in Butte County. Winds up to 25 mph pushed the 23,000 acre Camp Fire over containment lines and towards Concow. 2,277 firefighters are assigned to the 37,000 acre BTU Lightning Complex that includes 8 helicopters and 4 fixed wing aircraft.

The evacuation notice reads as follows;

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office has issued an “Immediate Threat Evacuation Advisory” for the community of Concow, which encompass Truex Road from Hwy. 70 north to Rim Road and all cross streets (including Hoffman Road, Hog Ranch Road, and High Winds Road), North of Hwy. 70. The Camp Fire has moved south towards Concow Road and is now being influenced by the east winds. The fire is now a threat to the community of Concow and Yankee Hill north of Hwy. 70 and Concow Road. Residents should evacuate their homes and proceed immediately to the evacuation center.

I noted on the map below rough estimates of the evacuated areas.

The morning ICS-209 contains the following passages:

At approximately 0030hrs the Camp Fire began a sustained run into the community of Concow, at least 300 homes affected. Immediate threat evacuation of Concow (aprox 1200 residents), north of HWY 70 and Lunt Road is in place. The Belden fire is holding between Chips Creek and Indian Creek. The hard closure of Highway 70 continues. An evacuation center has been established at Las Plumas High school. Red flag warning in effect as of 0300hrs today.

PRIORITY FIRES: #1 Camp, #2 Belden fire, , #3 Pit/Saddle, #4 Breakneck, #5 support to the Canyon Complex, #6 West. All fires are prioritized based on threat to communities and/or infrastructure. There are 42 fires, 15 are known to be active, 14 fires are contained, and 13 fires have been absorbed by other fires. Fire strategies include combining control lines of multiple fires and the use of community established fuel breaks. Cooperation continues with the Canyon Complex and the Cub Complex.

They discontinued demobilizing crews and equipment as a result;

Structure protection and perimeter control actions in the Concow area (Camp Fire). Continued direct fire suppression and mop-up on all Branches. Provide support to the Canyon Complex and Cub Complex as appropriate. Fire suppression repair. Demobilization of engines, water tenders and dozers is discontinued due to current and predicted fire weather and behavior.

They were on the downside of this one!

Update: