Doyle, California Ravaged by Beckwourth Complex Fire
Doyle, California is a small, peaceful town in Plumas County that straddles the border of Nevada. The population of under 1,000 people love its rural nature and proximity to the northern Sierra Nevada mountains, especially Lassen Peak.
Now, they are the latest victim of the increasing danger of wildfires in Northern California.
The Beckwourth Complex Fire ripped through Doyle on Saturday, burning multiple structures and leaving firefighters scrambling to save as many people, property and livestock possible. Photos and videos on social media show the shear decimation of structures in the town:
#SugarFire #BeckwourthComplex at Doyle CA. Significant property damage in small town. pic.twitter.com/TfJuk36E6s
— craig philpott (@CphilpottCraig) July 11, 2021
The images of rural towns burning has become a common image for Northern Californians, who are learning to try their best to prevent the next wildfire and learn the best practices to protect their properties.
“We’re looking at unprecedented early season extreme fire behavior…much earlier than we’ve experienced before,†said Incident Commander Rocky Opliger during a virtual meeting on the Beckwourth Complex Fire.
Wildfires have already ravaged communities in Siskiyou County this year, much earlier than the common California wildfire season which can last until December.
The Beckwourth Complex includes two lightning-caused wildfires – the Dotta and Sugar fires – which have been burning near the Nevada border since June 30. On Saturday, the fire jumped U.S. 395, closing the popular highway and putting more residents at risk. It has now reached 86,076 acres and is 20% contained during a fire season that is already on pace to surpass California’s historic 2020 season. Let’s continue to support the firefighters and do our best to prevent future wildfires.
