Evacuations lifted after Bennett Fire burns 50 acres near Grass Valley in Nevada County
Nevada County officials on Wednesday afternoon ordered evacuations because of a wildfire east of Highway 49 and north of East Bennett Road in Grass Valley.
The Bennett Fire, which started about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, grew to 50.6 acres before forward progress was stopped. By 8 p.m., a collection of evacuation orders and warnings were lifted for all but one zone, which was allowed to return Thursday morning.
As of Thursday morning, the fire was 70% with crews working on mopping up hot spots.
The wildfire was initially reported as a vegetation fire with several spot fires in the area of East Bennett and Brunswick roads, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s officials said several roads were closed in the area, and they asked drivers to stay out of those areas and leave those roads clear for evacuees to get out safely.
By 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit was reporting firefighters were making “good progress” with a fire retardant line from helicopter, and the fire’s progression was slowed, sheriff’s officials said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This story was originally published August 25, 2021 at 4:18 PM.
