Elephant

Elephant Fire Report - July 19, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Elephant Fire ignited at approximately 12:58 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, north of Loyalton and Highway 49 in Sierra County, California. The fire is burning within the Tahoe National Forest near the Sierra and Plumas County lines.
Size and Containment: As of the latest update on July 18, 2026, the fire has burned 13,916 acres and is 88% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has primarily burned in grass with some snags, brush, and timber, moving through the footprint of the 2020 Loyalton Fire scar. Initially driven by ridgetop winds and dry fuels, the fire exhibited a rapid rate of spread but has seen minimal growth over the last 72 hours due to favorable weather conditions.
Containment Efforts: Ground and air resources, including Nevada Team 1, have been actively building bulldozer lines and dropping fire retardant and water. Over the last 72 hours, firefighters have taken advantage of recent wetting rain to significantly strengthen containment lines, bringing containment up from 77% earlier in the week to 88%.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: All evacuation orders, including those previously in place for Lassen County Zone LAS-451-A, have been lifted due to increased containment.
Evacuation Warnings: All evacuation warnings for Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties (including zones LAS-671-B, PLU-104-A, and PLU-114) have been lifted.
Curfew: No curfews are currently reported in the area.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: With all evacuation orders lifted, emergency shelters have been closed. Residents can continue to monitor their zones using official county maps and CAL FIRE resources.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Highway 49, which was previously closed to allow emergency crews to work safely, has been reopened.
• Nearby public lands, including portions of the Tahoe National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, have temporary closures in place to support ongoing firefighting operations.
• Residents and travelers are advised to remain cautious of fire equipment and personnel in the area.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Elephant Fire Page
• InciWeb - Elephant Fire Information
• Sierra County Sheriff's Office

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities associated with the Elephant Fire.
Structures Impacted: Zero structures have been destroyed or damaged. Earlier in the incident, numerous residences and energy infrastructure along Scott Road, Chilcoot, and Highway 395 were threatened, but successful firefighting efforts protected these areas.
School and Business Closures: No major school or business closures remain in effect. The Sierra County Transfer Station has resumed normal operations.
Notable Impacts: Earlier in the week, firefighting operations were temporarily halted due to an unauthorized drone flying in restricted airspace over the fire. The Sierra County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident and expects to submit the case for possible criminal and aviation violations.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative previously warned of potential power outages near South Scott Road to protect infrastructure, but the threat has diminished as containment has increased.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Standard seasonal fire restrictions and burn bans remain in effect for the Tahoe National Forest and surrounding counties due to extreme summer fire danger.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire previously impacted nearby communities, including Hallelujah Junction, Bordertown, Cold Springs, and portions of the greater Reno area. While air quality has improved over the last 72 hours, residents with respiratory conditions should continue to monitor local air quality indices.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 88% contained, with full containment estimated by July 22, 2026. The 12% of the perimeter that remains uncontrolled is being actively managed. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area, mop up hot spots, and reinforce control lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Firefighters benefited from wetting rain over the past few days, which aided suppression efforts. However, officials warn that a warming and drying trend is expected through the rest of the week, which may create minor challenges for the remaining fire suppression and mop-up efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Elephant Fire remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's initial rapid spread was fueled by dry vegetation, difficult terrain, and ridgetop winds typical of the region's summer climate. However, a recent shift in weather, bringing cooler temperatures and wetting rain over the last 72 hours, played a crucial role in halting the fire's progression and allowing crews to achieve 88% containment.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Elephant Fire Page
• InciWeb - Elephant Fire Information
• Sierra County Sheriff's Office