The Peak Fire is burning on the Beckwourth Ranger District on the Plumas National Forest about 15 miles northeast of Portola, CA. The fire has burned 780 acres. 586 firefighters and support personnel are working in the fire.

This morning the Northern California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of this fire. Crews made significant progress yesterday and last night with the construction of fireline using Handcrews and Bulldozers.

Due to the very dry fuel conditions, firefighters have contended with the fire spotting across the lines. Spot fires thus far have been contained while still small. Crews are watching for any additional fire movement that may develop. There are still many areas of active fire within the containment lines so this fire will continue to produce smoke that may affect the Honey Lake and Susanville areas.

Conklin Park Campground is currently closed due to the fire. All roads near the fire remain open, however be advised that there is heavy fire vehicle traffic on Forest Roads 26N70 and 28N01 near the fire area.

Additional fire information can be obtained by calling Phyllis Swanson, PIO at (530) 605-7245 or Jim Mackensen, PIO at (916) 838-9081. Also you can contact the Plumas National Forest Fire Information Officer Michele Jimenez-Holtz at (530) 394-8161. Also check Inciweb.org for additional updates.

The Chip Fire is now 300 acres. It burned actively today with some spotting. Calmer winds kept the fire within parameters anticipated by firefighters. The fire "footprint" stayed between Chips and Indian Creeks and above (north) of Highway 70. Firefighters continued direct line construction (extremely slow going in such steep terrain) with support from heavy lift helicopters.

Tonight, smoke will again settle into the Feather River canyon and surrounding areas, including Butt Lake and Lake Almanor.

Tomorrow temperatures are forecast to be in the high 90s while the humidity will dip to single digits. This will cause the fire to burn more actively.

Structure protection continues for four residences in Maggies Trailer Park. Highway 70 is open but travelors should check highway conditions regularly (800-427-ROAD / http://www.dot.ca.gov/ ). CalTrans traffic stops continue. Motorists should watch out for CalTrans workers and firefighters. On Caribou Road, Gansner Bar and North Fork Campgrounds are closed. Queen Lily Campground is open for public camping. All other businesses are open per their normal hours.

The human caused fire was discovered early morning on July 29, up the Chips Creek drainage along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Feather River Canyon.

A forest Service hotshot crew heads to the Chips Creek trailhead to begin the hike into the Chip fire and for a long day of fire fighting. Photo by Michael Condon

As of 1:30pm, the Chip Fire is about 286 acres, remaining between Chips and Indian Creeks and above (north) of Highway 70, Plumas Co, CA. Winds have been fairly calm although spot forecasts are for them to increase.

Structure protection is in place for four residences in Maggies Trailer Park.

Smoke that settled in the Feather River canyon and neighboring basins has cleared somewhat as the day progresses and the air inversion rises. A plume will develop and will be visible for hundreds of miles in most directions.

High pressure is building through the week, temperatures are rising, humidity is dropping and will not recover much at night. That translates into more active fire behavior.

Highway 70 is currently open but travelers should check highway conditions regularly (800-427-ROAD / http://www.dot.ca.gov/ ). On Caribou Road, Gansner Bar and North Fork Campgrounds are closed but Queen Lily remains open for public camping. All other businesses are open per their normal hours. The human caused fire was discovered about 1:15 am on Sunday, July 29 about mid slope, one mile up the Chips Creek drainage in the Feather River Canyon, Plumas Co, CA.

Firefighters include 8 hot shot crews, 6 engines and various aerial resources including helicopters and air tankers. Ben Lomond and Indian Creek trails are closed. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Belden on Highway 70 and Highway 36.

The Chips Fire, in the Feather River Canyon above Highway 70, is approximately 150 acres with about 230 firefighters on scene. Firefighters include eight 20 person crews, 6 engines and various aerial resources including helicopters and air tankers. The fire has crossed the ridge between Chips Creek and Indian Creek drainages. Ben Lomond and Indian Creek trails are closed. Also, the Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Belden on Highway 70 and Highway 36.

No structures are threatened currently and all roads and campgrounds are currently open. Smoke is settling in the canyon and nearby areas including Butte Lake, Lake Almanor and traveling aloft to the northeast. Travelors along Highway 70 should check road conditions before they travel. The fire was discovered about 1:15 am on Sunday, July 29 about mid slope, one mile up the Chips Creek drainage in the Feather River Canyon, Plumas Co, CA.

The Peak Fire is now reported at 750 acres, burning in timber and brush at base of Squaw Valley/Peak area off Beckwourth Genesee Road in Eastern Plumas County. There is some active spotting occurring. The fire is 30% contained with full containment expected August 1. No structures are threatened. Smoke is visable from Central & Eastern Plumas County and from Honey Lake Valley, Lassen County. A large plume and smoke are visible. Air tankers and helicopters continue working the fire.

Plumas National Forest crews are battling two separate wildfires. The Peak Fire started Saturday afternoon and the Chips Fire was discovered Sunday morning.

The Peak Fire is 225 acres, burning in timber and brush at base of Squaw Peak near the Beckwourth Genesee Road in Eastern Plumas County. The fire made a run up Squaw Peak Saturday night. Thirteen engines, 8 crews, 4 airtankers, 3 helicopters, 4 dozers and 4 watertenders among other resources have been assigned. No structures are threatened. Smoke is visible from Central & Eastern Plumas County and from Honey Lake Valley in Lassen County.

There is little wind and temperatures are cool. The wind and temperatures will both increase through the day.

The Peak Fire is 60 percent contained as of 9:00 this morning. Full containment is expected at 6:00 this evening.

The Chip Fire was discovered about 1:15 a.m. Sunday July 29 and is approximately 25 acres. It is located mid slope about one mile up the Chips Creek drainage in the Feather River Canyon west of Quincy. The terrain is extremely steep and rocky. It is burning on both sides of the Pacific Crest Trail; the trail, including both hiking and equestrian trainheads, is closed at Belden on Highway 70. No structures are threatened and all and campgrounds are open.