Nearly 200 ordered to evacuate in Nevada County as fire burns near California’s Highway 20
Evacuation orders have been issued after a wildfire sparked Wednesday afternoon in Nevada County, near the Northern California town of Washington, authorities said.
The grass fire ignited shortly before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday off Washington Road, south of Alpha Road and near Highway 20, local authorities said. The fire had burned about 25 acres as of 5:48 p.m. Wednesday, and crews had about 5% of the wildfire contained, said Jason Flores, incident commander with the U.S. Forest Service.
“We’re looking really good,” Flores said in a video shared via Tahoe National Forest social media posts. “(The fire has) been boxed in with retardant from the fixed-wing (aircraft).”
At least 185 residents had been ordered to evacuate as of 5 p.m., Nevada County sheriff’s officials said in social media posts.
Flores said crews had made good progress, holding the fire at Alpha Road. He said the plans overnight were to gain more containment of the fire, and he anticipates fire personnel will remain in the area for at least two more days.
Despite progress in containment, evacuation orders and warnings remained in place as of 6:30 p.m.
Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect as of that time for Nevada County residents in county evacuation zones 30, 315 and 316. The zones include Washington Overlook area of Nevada City, as well as the Alpha Diggins, Omega and Phelps Hill regions and the town of Washington, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, which first reported the fire in social media posts shortly before 3 p.m.
Evacuation warnings were issued just before 3:45 p.m. for zones 30, 15 and 318, in areas east of the initial mandatory evacuation orders and near the town of Maybert. Zone 30, near the Omega area, was upgraded to a mandatory evacuation order just after 4:45 p.m.
“Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now,” Nevada County emergency officials said in a statement attached to the latest evacuation warning.
Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit in a social media post said it was assisting Tahoe National Forest, which is the lead agency responding to the Highway Fire.
Air tankers continued to drop retardant Wednesday afternoon and early evening in an effort to slow down the progress of the blaze, according to the Sheriff’s Office and fire authorities.
About 110 people live in the town of Washington, according to census data.
CAL FIRE Firefighters are assisting the Tahoe National Forest with the Highway fire near Highway 20 and Washington Road in the town of Washington in Nevada County. CAL FIRE air resources are over the fire and engines are at scene. pic.twitter.com/iF0GfXYw7v
— CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (@CALFIRENEU) August 16, 2023
The Madelyn Helling Library, at 980 Helling Way in Nevada City, has been established as a gathering location for evacuees.
Animals can be temporarily housed at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, at 11228 McCourtney Road, the county Office of Emergency Services said.
