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Two wildfires burning near Portola, Calif.

Author Bill GabbertPosted on Categories WildfireTags , , ,

Sugar and Dotta Fires

9:30 a.m. PDT July 3, 2021

Dotta & Sugar Fires California
Dotta & Sugar Fires, as seen from the camera on Beckwourth Peak, looking northeast at 7:42 p.m. July 2, 2021. The fires were being pushed by strong outflow winds from a thunderstorm cell.

Two lightning-caused wildfires are burning near Portola and Beckwourth, California north of Highway 70. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect at 11 p.m. Saturday night for more lightning and strong winds.

(To see all articles on Wildfire Today about the Dotta and Sugar Fires and the Beckwourth Complex of fires, including the most recent, click HERE.)

Dotta & Sugar Fires map
Map showing the location of the Dotta & Sugar Fires detected by a satellite at 3:54 a.m. PDT July 3, 2021. The red dots are the most current.

Dotta Fire
The Dotta Fire was reported at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday June 30, seven miles northeast of Portola. As of Saturday morning it has burned 533 acres. Evacuation warnings are in effect. During the satellite overflight at 3:54 a.m. Saturday it was about a mile west of Dixie Valley Road.

Dotta Fire map
Dotta Fire map, 8 p.m. July 2, 2021.

Sugar Fire
The Sugar Fire started July 2, six miles east of Portola. It is very near the Plumas National Forest boundary, but the Forest has responsibility for suppression in that location, according to CAL FIRE. On Friday the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office evacuated several structures that were threatened. The latest report Saturday morning is that it has burned 250 acres.

Sugar Fire
Sugar Fire, soon after it started from lightning. Photo posted by Plumas National Forest, July 2, 2021.
Sugar Fire California
Sugar Fire, Friday evening, July 2. Photo by Plumas NF.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

6 thoughts on “Two wildfires burning near Portola, Calif.”

  1. Humping down Memory Lane. The Beckwourth Peak image evokes good thoughts. 1972 El Cariso HS, Carmen I & Carmen II. Anyone out there? A few of us were below the west face of Beckwourth cutting nighttime line across a manzanita scree slope. Some fir trees below us torched. We got our asses out of there. Only one reasonable direction to go. Rapid upward angle traverse to the summit area. When things quieted down we went back to work. LR

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  2. Manage the forest and be pro active instead of reactive when it comes to fighting forest fires. The forest service is to blame for the poor state of health of the nation’s forest.

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    1. So instead of making unfounded claims about how the forest service is to blame for forest fires, why don’t you use your wisdom and expertise to explain how to protect the world’s forests against lightning strikes, drought, insect die-off, extreme heat, high winds, spontaneous combustion, careless campers, careless smokers, and many other causes of forest fires. While you’re thinking about it, grab a rake and trash bags then start raking up all the pine needles and leaves that are so combustible. Let us know when you’re done. Lol

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  3. Prayers on the wing for all of the firefighters staring down the Dragon in another extremely volatile season.

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