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Heatwave Sparks Dry-Lightning Fires, Evacuations, Mount Fire Contained

7/13/2026

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CAL Fire Contains

The National Weather Service warned isolated mountain thunderstorms could ignite dry-lightning fires across Sacramento region despite incoming monsoonal moisture.
CAL Fire crews fought the Mount Fire near Millerton Lake, burning roughly 27 acres and achieving full containment.
Evacuation warnings covered Lassen County Zone LAS-671-B and Plumas County zones PLU-114 and PLU-104-A.
Temperatures were forecast to top 100 °F, reaching 105 °F in Redding, prompting hydration and sun-protection advisories.

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Elephant Fire Burns

Officials highlighted that only one fireworks-related incident occurred on July 4, praising residents’ caution throughout the holiday.
The Elephant Fire in Lassen and Plumas counties has burned 6,436 acres and is 5% contained.
Lassen and Plumas counties issued evacuation warnings for zones LAS-671-B, PLU-114 and PLU-104-A.
Sierra County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service and advised residents no evacuation.

History

Historical Context

During California’s record-breaking 2018 wildfire season, the Camp Fire ignited on Nov 8, scorching 153,000 acres, killing 85 people and costing $16.5 billion, prompting CAL FIRE and PG&E to adopt mandatory power shutoffs and tighter inter-agency coordination. Those reforms shape today’s response to the Elephant Fire (6,436 acres) and Mount Fire (27 acres) as heat and dry lightning threaten further evacuations.

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CAL Fire Contains

The National Weather Service warned isolated mountain thunderstorms could ignite dry-lightning fires across Sacramento region despite incoming monsoonal moisture.
CAL Fire crews fought the Mount Fire near Millerton Lake, burning roughly 27 acres and achieving full containment.
Evacuation warnings covered Lassen County Zone LAS-671-B and Plumas County zones PLU-114 and PLU-104-A.
Temperatures were forecast to top 100 °F, reaching 105 °F in Redding, prompting hydration and sun-protection advisories.

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