Lightning and several fires prompt evacuation orders in Plumas County

(FOX40.COM) — Evacuation orders have been issued after several fires were ignited amid lightning strikes in Plumas County on Monday, according to the U.S. Forest Service – Plumas National Forest.

Around 4:20 p.m., the U.S. Forest Service reported that firefighters are currently battling four fires in the Beckwourth Ranger District following a thunderstorm that hit Monday afternoon. Lightning strikes were reportedly outside the storm’s rain core over dry fuels. The fires started at about 30 acres burned, but by 7 p.m. the flames reached 683 acres.

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The Mill Fire , is the largest fire among several in progress in the area, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It is broken up into three separate fires (Mill Fire, Mill 2 and Mill 3) that are burning near Whitehawk Ranch and to the west.

The fourth fire, the Smith Fire, is north of California State Highway 70, near Smith Peak. Around 5:15 p.m., the U.S. Forest Service issued evacuation orders for the surrounding areas; Plumas Zone PLU-095, PLU-098, PLU-100, PLU-111, PLU-112, and POR-007. This is the area of Gold Mountain, County Road A15, Whitehawk, and south of Portola.

In addition, evacuation orders were issued for the north side of Delleker, Maybe, and the area around Lake Davis. PLU-074, PLU-093, and PLU-097.

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“All 4 fires have potential to grow due to wind, slope and ongoing dry conditions where they are burning,” the U.S. Forest Service said.

Area residents in Whitehawk Ranch, Gold Mountain, Clio and the south side of Portola are advised “to be aware of their surroundings and pack a go bag.” The public is asked to avoid the area and watch for firefighter traffic.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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