Cal Fire investigators say 705-acre Jones Fire in Nevada County caused by lightning
Cal Fire investigators have determined that the Jones Fire, which has burned 705 acres in Nevada County and forced more than 15,000 residents to evacuate, was caused by lightning.
The wildfire as of Thursday night had destroyed six homes, one commercial building and 15 outbuildings, according to Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit. The fire damaged another structure. Firefighters had 15% of the fire contained as of Thursday night.
The fire started burning Monday, mainly in the hills west of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Cal Fire expected to have full containment of the fire by Tuesday.
On Thursday afternoon, there were 700 residents who remained evacuated, according to the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services. There were more than 15,000 residents who have been allowed to return home.
Cal Fire crews on Thursday morning continued to work on dozer lines and expected to have that work done by Thursday evening. Cal Fire officials said the northeast edge of the Jones Fire is critical area to stop the wildfire’s forward progress, and crews would continue to build and strengthen control lines.
More than 570 firefighting personnel were battling the fire. Cal Fire officials said firefighters made good progress overnight and kept the blaze within the containment lines, south of the Yuba River, west of Highway 49, north of Newtown Road and east of Jones Bar Road.
A temporary evacuation center at Ready Springs Elementary School will remain open until all evacuation orders have been lifted, Nevada County officials said.
This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 6:32 PM.
