Where are the fires burning in Northern California? Latest on Biscar, Rumsey, Chute fires

Darrell Smith, The Sacramento Bee on Jul 21, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Crews battled several wildfires Tuesday across Northern California, including the Biscar Fire in Lassen County, which has grown to nearly 59,000 acres, the Rumsey Fire near the Colusa-Yolo county line and the Chute Fire in Yuba County.

The Biscar Fire burning northeast of Susanville in Lassen County grew to 58,878 acres, as mapped by aerial resources, after racing across northeastern California and into Nevada, according to U.S. Wildland Fire Service officials. The fire, which is about 154 miles northeast of Sacramento, was 5% contained Tuesday morning.

Large air tankers were called in Monday night to slow the fire’s eastern spread while firefighters, engines and bulldozers worked to strengthen containment lines. About 400 firefighters were assigned to the incident.

The fire ignited shortly before noon Saturday about 40 miles northeast of Susanville. Strong winds pushed the blaze across U.S. Highway 395 and into Nevada.

Mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for Lassen County zones LAS-543, LAS-551-A, LAS-551-B, LAS-551-C and LAS-553.

Evacuation warnings remained in effect for zones LAS-544, LAS-545 and LAS-555. Residents with livestock and pets were urged to leave before conditions worsen.

Highway 395 reopened to alternating one-way traffic under traffic control. Motorists were urged to use caution because firefighting crews continued working along the highway.

Shelter information is available at 530-254-4500; or by visiting Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Rumsey Fire

About 175 firefighters are battling the 450-acre Rumsey Fire in Colusa County, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials said in a Tuesday update. Firefighters assigned to the fire are being supported by hand crews, bulldozers, water tenders, 15 fire engines, helicopters, air tankers and a tactical aircraft.

The fire is 15% contained.

The blaze ignited about 3:40 p.m. Monday off Sand Creek Road in Colusa County near the Yolo County line, about 50 miles northwest of Sacramento.

Cal Fire officials said night-flying helicopters attacked spot fires overnight while bulldozers cut a fire line along a ridge east of Sand Creek Road after flames crossed the roadway.

Chute Fire

The Chute Fire remained at 60 acres and 0% contained Tuesday morning as Cal Fire and other crews continued battling the blaze in Chute Ravine near Dobbins in Yuba County, about 50 miles north of Sacramento.

A mandatory evacuation order remained in effect for Yuba County zone YUB-E098. Evacuation warnings were in place for Nevada County zones NCO-E327 and NCO-E329.

Fresh crews relieved firefighters early Tuesday after what Cal Fire described as a long, difficult battle in the Yuba River drainage.

Elephant Fire

The Elephant Fire, burning since July 11 in the Tahoe National Forest, has blackened nearly 14,000 acres in Sierra, Plumas and Lassen counties, and is 92% contained. Nearly 300 firefighters are on the fire lines.

Crews were continuing to mop up, ensuring flames do not move outside of containment lines, while watching for potential incoming storms and possible flooding, said U.S. Forest Service officials in a Monday update.

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