Evacuation Orders Downgraded To Advisories For Nevada Co. Fires

NEVADA COUNTY, CA – Progress was recorded Thursday on the Lobo and McCourtney fires burning in Nevada County.

"Firefighters continued to maintain containment lines today," Cal Fire said, adding that "steep terrain and heavy brush continue to pose a challenge."

The McCourtney blaze, along McCourtney Road and Highway 20 in the Grass Valley area, as of Thursday, consumed 76 acres with containment listed at 89 percent, an improvement from the 69 percent logged Wednesday evening.

The larger Lobo Fire, near the Lobo Trail, Rough and Ready, on Thursday showed 829 acres destroyed with 52 percent containment, an advance from Wednesday morning's 30 percent.

Also See: California Wildfires Are Causing Problems Well Beyond The Fires' Edge

All areas under evacuation orders were downgraded Thursday to an evacuation warning, including areas south of Bitney Springs Road from Beitler Road to Empress Road, all areas west of Bitney Springs Road from Empress Road to Rough and Ready Hwy, all areas north of Rough and Ready Hwy from North Ponderosa Way to Rough and Ready Road, all areas east of Beitler Road from Bitney Springs Road to Hwy 20 including the Empty Diggins Lane Area, Cal Fire said.

Road closures also were lifted, the agency said, noting that "the greater Rough and Ready area remains under an Evacuation Warning while fire equipment and personnel continue working in the area."

The shelter at Twin Cities Church and the Animal Shelter at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Thursday afternoon were in the process of closing, according to the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services.

"Nevada County staff is working with evacuees to make sure everyone has somewhere to go," the office said.

The agency reminded residents returning home to check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers, as well as the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning sparks and embers.

"Not all residents will have power; PG&E is working as quickly as possible to restore power in the entire area," NCOES said. "Evacuees who have animals at the Fairgrounds are encouraged to pick up their animals with their IDs. Upon returning home make sure you have food, water, and proper containment for your animals. High temperatures and fire damage can cause normal household items to become hazardous to you and your animals. Make sure your property is safe before returning home."

The Assessor's Office is providing Property Tax Relief for residents whose homes were damaged or lost in the Lobo and McCourtney fires. Applicants can fill out an Assessor's Calamity Reassessment and Property Tax Deferral form and return it to the Assessor's Office by Dec. 11. For more information, visit the Assessor's website.

• ALSO SEE: Northern California Wildfires: PG&E Power Line Sparks May Have Started Fires, Report Says

--Image courtesy of Nevada County Sheriff