The Sites Fire, which started on June 17, has rapidly expanded due to high winds and dry conditions. Initial containment efforts were hampered by the fire’s speed and the rugged terrain. The fire has burned over 15,565 acres and is currently 5% contained.
This morning the fire is less active than yesterday but this afternoon the inversion layer is expected to lift and bring in winds to feed the flames. In addition, this weekend temperatures are expected to reach over 100 degrees, so firefighters are racing to beat the coming heat.
Stats:
- Acres burned: 15,565
- Containment: 5%
- Start date: June 17, 2024
- Personnel: 741 (per this morning’s briefing which is up from the Cal Fire site resources listed in the graphic below)
- Location: Still entirely in Colusa County. Sites Lodoga Road and Campground Road, Southeast of Stonyford, Colusa County
Compelling Images:
Cameras that can view the fire
The Plan
The Weather:
Current weather conditions in the area include hot, dry winds which are complicating firefighting efforts.
According to the Incident Meteorologist in the video above, firefighters will be looking for the inversion over the fire this morning to lift by about 11 this morning. He explained, “We should see that inversion and rise above about 1000 feet or so allowing humidity to fall down about 30% as we get into the afternoon [about 1 p.m.] …That’s going to allow the southeasterly winds do begin to surface. They could be gusting as high as 15 to 18 miles an hour…As the diversion lifts. we’ll see humidity fall down into the 15 to 18% range, possibly a little bit lower than that. That will be higher than we’ve seen the last couple of days though so that’s good news.”
The Roads:
Several roads are closed due to the fire, including parts of Sites Lodoga Road. Road closures are located here.
The Maps:
Operations Map –to see details either zoom or click on the map and download a pdf.
KMZ Map–Zoom for detail or for 3D imagery, click on the map and download a file that connects with your Google Earth program.
Evacuation and Meeting Information:
Mandatory evacuations are in place for residents in the fire’s immediate path. Evacuation centers and further instructions are being coordinated by the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office. For detailed evacuation and meeting information, please refer to their official communications.
