Junction and Hill Fires Inactive After Firefighting Efforts

SIERRA COUNTY — By Monday afternoon, firefighters had stopped the spread of two wildfires on opposite sides of Sierra County, and the Junction and Hill fires were considered no longer active after separate ground and air responses. The Junction Fire burned 270 acres in the county’s far east, while crews held the Hill Fire to an area estimated at 80 feet by 80 feet west of Downieville. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office did not report injuries, damaged structures, or evacuation orders in either incident.

The Junction Fire started at 8:51 PM Sunday, July 26, near Evans Ranch Road and Highway 395 at the Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area, according to CAL FIRE. The fire burned southeast of the earlier Elephant Fire. An initial estimate placed it at about 100 acres before mapping measured 270 acres.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service managed the Junction Fire with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service. The sheriff’s office said multiple dozers succeeded in stopping the forward progression of the fire. Crews will remain at the site Monday to strengthen containment lines and monitor conditions, while CAL FIRE investigated the cause.

The Hill Fire burned between Indian Valley and Depot Hill, west of Downieville. The U.S. Forest Service managed the response with assistance from the Downieville Fire Protection District and Camptonville Fire Department, while Air Attack and two air tankers worked above the fire.

Crews stopped the Hill Fire’s forward progress by 11:45 AM Monday. The sheriff’s office placed its footprint at approximately 80 feet by 80 feet.