[UPDATE 11:50 a.m: Hwy 20 Reopened] Ridge Fire Burns About 2,500 Acres in Lake and Colusa Counties

Tanker dropping retardant on the Ridge Fire near Highway 20. [Photo by Cheri Barbo Photography]
CAL FIRE reported that their priorities on Sunday include constructing and tying in control lines around the fire, focusing on the north perimeter. “We have bolstered both air and ground resources on the fire Sunday to help us keep the fire within its current perimeter,” a CAL FIRE statement explained.
Favorable weather conditions and a heavy resource order of dozers have aided crews in making progress on the fire. “Crews made significant headway constructing control lines while three helicopters conducted night water dropping operations,” CAL FIRE noted.
Despite these efforts, Highway 20 remains closed with no estimated time of reopening, creating significant disruptions for local traffic. In addition, the fire is threatening about 50 structures, including the famous Wilbur Hot Springs.
The Type 3 North Bay Team has been activated to manage the fire, bringing additional expertise and resources to the ongoing firefighting efforts.
As the situation evolves, residents and travelers are advised to stay informed through local news updates and follow any evacuation orders or road closures issued by authorities.
We’ve gathered the most important information about the Ridge Fire and organized it below for our readers.
Stats:
50 structures threatened
Compelling Images
https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRELNU/videos/2875956302558863/
Sights & sounds overnight on the #RidgeFire. It’s now 15% contained & approximately 2,500 acres.
Favorable weather conditions & a heavy resource order of dozers helped crews make progress constructing control lines while 3 helicopters conducted night water dropping operations. pic.twitter.com/4PyVXlFUvN
— CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) July 21, 2024

[Photo by Cheri Barbo Photography]
The Weather:
The National Weather Service is reporting temperatures in the low 100’s today over the fire and humidity will be in the 40’s.
The Roads, etc:

Hwy 20 is closed. [Photo from Caltrans District1]
- According to Caltrans, “Route 20 is FULLY CLOSED east of Clearlake Oaks at Route 53 (PM 31.6) in Lake County due to the
#RidgeFire. There is no estimated time of reopening.” - And from the east, Caltrans says, Hwy 20 is closed “From Jct Rte 16 S to Lake Co. Line.”
- Highway 16 from Brooks, Ca
• Leeseville Rd @ King Rd
• Leeseville -Lodoga Rd @ Bear Valley Rd
The Map:
Evacuation and Meeting Information:
See the Genasys Map. And see Cal Fire’s information
UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: The Caltrans QuickMap is showing that Highway 20 has completely reopened.

The Caltrans QuickMap traffic cam shows vehicles traveling freely on Hwy 20. [Image from Caltrans Traffic Cam]
Earlier: Ridge Fire Northeast of Clear Lake Already in the Hundreds of Acres


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What about the hunters they were worried about?
I believe they and a fisherman who was also stuck were able to use forest roads to get out. Things are a little confused still so I’m not sure the ones who got out are the same but I’ve seen reports on social media that makes me think they got out safely.
Sounds hopeful!
CHP incident page says 20 should be reopened sometime around noon today
I googled ‘ can a hunters bullet cause a fire’ the answers came back ‘yes, especially in hot dry conditions’. Something to think about and act on.