MODIS satellite imagery of the Chips Fire this morning.
The Chips Fire, that started Sunday June 29th, has grown to 2,400 acres and is only 5% contained.
The Pacific Crest Trail is closed north of Belden.
The fire closure order has the PCT is closed to the Lassen National Forest boundary (PCT mile 1294), however recent MODIS satellite fire detection data appears to shows the PCT has burned north to about mile 1296, so this is probably not accurate. The PCTA states the trail is closed to Poison Spring (PCT mile 1303).
No safe, viable alternate routes are available for hiker or equestrian travel, according to the PCTA. A previously used alternate (Caribou Road) has been closed.
Highway 70 may close due to the fire. If Highway 70 closes, hikers could hitch to Quincy from the Bucks Lake area (Bucks Summit, PCT mile 1270) and take the Plumas Transit bus to Chester (weekdays only).
The fire was “human caused” and started near the PCT.
InciWeb:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3052/
PCTA Closure Information:
http://www.pcta.org/planning/during_trip/trail-closures.php
Oroville MR news report:
http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_21208892/plumas-national-forest-fires-still-active
Plumas Transit bus service from Quincy:
http://www.plumastransit.com/qcy_to_chester_23.html