California’s Biscar Fire in Lassen County has burned 69,344 acres and was 42% contained Thursday morning as firefighters prepared for a forecast of stronger winds, low humidity, and warmer temperatures expected to increase fire activity through the weekend, according to the Bureau of Land Management. 

The wildfire started Saturday about 40 miles northeast of Susanville and quickly spread east across Highway 395, driven by warm temperatures and strong winds. The cause remains under investigation.

More than 500 personnel are assigned to the incident, where large air tankers continue dropping retardant to slow the fire’s eastern spread. Fire crews, engines, and bulldozers are also working directly along the fire’s edge, using old roadbeds, ridges, and natural terrain to build containment lines where conditions allow.

Incident commanders said firefighter and public safety remain the top priorities. Firefighters are focusing on direct suppression while protecting communities, private property, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, and sage grouse habitat. Officials also said they are working closely with cooperating agencies, ranchers, tribal communities and the public.

National Weather Service Issues Fire Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening for parts of northeast California and far northwest Nevada, including eastern Lassen County.

Forecasters expect southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and afternoon humidity as low as 6% to 9%, conditions that could cause fires to grow rapidly before crews can contain them.

Officials said the immediate priority is preparing for the expected weather while aggressively pursuing direct suppression where it is safe.

They warned that persistent warming and drying trends, combined with the incoming weather pattern, could create extreme fire behavior and make containment more difficult in the rugged, inaccessible terrain.

Officials Place Evacuation Orders, Warnings

Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones LAS-543 and LAS-553 in Lassen County, requiring residents to leave immediately because of an immediate threat to life.

Warnings remain in effect for zones LAS-551-A, LAS-551-B, LAS-551-C, LAS-545 and LAS-555, where officials advised anyone needing additional time to evacuate, or those with pets or livestock, to leave now.

See the evacuation map through Genasys. 

For shelter information call (530) 254-4500 or visit the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

In neighboring Nevada, Level 2 (“Set”) and Level 3 (“Go Now”) evacuation recommendations remain in place for portions of central Washoe County.

Bureau of Land Management Closes Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed public lands near Snowstorm Road and Vincent Canyon northeast of Susanville to support firefighting operations and protect public safety. Seasonal fire restrictions also remain in effect across BLM-managed lands in portions of northeastern California and northwestern Nevada, prohibiting campfires and barbecues except in designated recreation sites.

Highway 395 has reopened without traffic restrictions, though officials urged drivers to use caution because firefighters and heavy equipment continue operating near the roadway.

The fire is burning primarily through grass and sagebrush, with heavier fuels in riparian areas. Fire officials reported active behavior, including wind-driven runs and short-range spotting during afternoon hours after lighter morning winds and higher humidity temporarily moderated fire activity.

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