Dixie Fire grows to 240,595 acres, containment increased slightly to 24 percent
CHICO, Calif. — As of Friday morning, the Dixie Fire has burned 240,595 acres and is 24 percent contained. There are 6,079 personnel assigned to the fire. The fire grew by about 14,000 acres overnight, and containment ticked up by one percent.
The increased acreage means the Dixie Fire has surpassed the 2018 Carr Fire and becomes the 11th largest wildfire in California History. The Carr Fire killed eight people in Shasta and Trinity Counties. No deaths have been attributed to the Dixie Fire.
The size increase overnight is due to the burning of pockets of fuel within the fire perimeter. Firefighters said were successful Thursday in securing more lines to protect Butte Meadows.
Changing weather conditions caused the fire to be more active Thursday afternoon and evening.
CAL FIRE sent out a news release describing the fire activity Friday morning:
Dixie Fire West Zone - Dixie Fire West Zone – Potential exists for increased fire activity today. Successive drying can increase the chances of rekindle. The fire continues to move towards control lines burning unburned interior islands and ridges with most expected growth to be West towards Butte Meadows. Increasing clouds with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms or light showers will lift north across the area tonight. Visibility will improve for air operations this afternoon. Crews continue to work closely with cooperating agencies to ensure the safety of crews to scout for roadway repairs, infrastructure needs and removal of dangerous trees and vegetation.
Dixie Fire East Zone - Several thunderstorms passed by the area of the Dixie Fire East Zone yesterday afternoon and evening. Strong outflow winds were observed, and some planned firing operations were temporarily put on hold. The fire behavior from Rock Creek to Bucks Lake has been calm, and containment lines are expected to hold. Crews are prepping containment ines north of Meadow Valley in hopes of conducting firing operations in the area once conditions allow. Firefighters plan to mop up and patrol the containment lines near Hambly Ravine and near Keddie. Emigrant Road and Mount Hough Road may get additional firing operations if conditions allow. The crew's course of action along the north perimeter from Round Valley Reservoir to Muggins Creek will depend on the fire behavior. Firefighters may go direct along the line or reinforce the containment lines to the north. The forecast continues to call for potentially gusty and stormy weather with a chance of dense smoke and haze resulting in poor visibility
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