Wind Shift Drives Bug Fire Across Highway 395 Into California
Changing winds on Aug. 12 pushed the Bug Fire back into California, prompting closures on U.S. 395 and Highway 70 and maintaining evacuation warnings for nearby communities.
A shift in wind direction on Wednesday, Aug. 12, caused the 70,757-acre Bug Fire to cross Highway 395 north of Highway 70 and re-enter California, according to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office. The fire’s westward spread was slowed by firefighters, and as of the evening it was held west of Highway 395, north of Hallelujah Junction and east of Scott Road.
U.S. 395 was closed in both directions from the Nevada border to Bordertown and Hallelujah Junction, while Highway 70 was shut east of Highway 49 and Portola, officials said. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office also reported a closure on Red Rock Road at Clydesdale Drive, prohibiting northbound traffic.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for the Chilcoot and Vinton areas, and residents in the Rancho Haven zone were instructed to evacuate southbound on Red Rock Road. Authorities urged the public to stay alert, avoid the closed roads, and monitor official updates for any changes.