US: Authorities working to contain wildfires in Plumas County, Calif., as of early July 23

Crews are working to contain wildfires burning in southern Plumas County, California, as of early July 23. Thunderstorms during the afternoon of July 22 ignited four fires (the Mill, Mill 2, Mill 3, and Smith fires) in the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District; authorities have combined these fires into the Gold Complex. The total area affected by the complex has grown to more than 283 hectares (700 acres), and the fires are threatening homes in the communities of Whitehawk Ranch, Clio, Gold Mountain, Delleker, Lake Davis area, and the south and west sides of Portola. The fire has broken out amid an ongoing heatwave in the region, and warm, dry, and breezy conditions have aided the fire's growth; further wildfire growth will likely occur in the coming hours and days.

As of early July 23, authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings for several zones in the vicinity of the fires; full details and maps on the locations of evacuation orders can be found here. A shelter for evacuated residents has been established at Qunicy High School, located at 6 Quincy Junction Road in Quincy. Several roads in the area are closed, including State Route 89 from County Road A15 to Calpine.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities may close additional routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate more communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Residents' return will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.