[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.

Tanker dropping retardant on the Ridge Fire near Highway 20. [Photo by Cheri Barbo Photography]

The Ridge Fire, burning near the Lake and Colusa County line, has consumed approximately 2,500 acres of grass, brush, and oak woodland, and is currently 15% contained. Late yesterday afternoon, driven by wind, the fire exploded across hundreds of acres in minutes. This morning, the fire remains active, with short-range spotting complicating containment efforts.

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

Engines 29
Water Tenders 3
Helicopters 13
Dozers 7
Hand Crews 6
Total Personnel 300

Compelling Images

 

https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRELNU/videos/2875956302558863/

 

 

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.

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.

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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5 Please improve the conversation by disagreeing thoughtfully and backing your claims with facts
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SL Jones
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SL Jones
1 year ago

What about the hunters they were worried about?

SL Jones
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SL Jones
1 year ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Sounds hopeful!

Big Rick
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Big Rick
1 year ago

CHP incident page says 20 should be reopened sometime around noon today

Carol
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Carol
1 year ago

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.