Rumsey Fire Burns 75 Acres Near Guinda: What Yolo County Residents Need to Know

The Rumsey Fire ignited Monday afternoon in Rumsey Canyon near Highway 16, north of Guinda in Yolo County, and by 6 p.m. it had already charred 75 acres of grassland. Cal Fire is working to contain the blaze, which is spreading at a moderate pace with spotting activity reported. Because the terrain in the area is steep, remote, and difficult to access on foot, firefighters deployed seven air tankers and four helicopters to drop water and fire retardant from above while ground crews work to reach the fire’s perimeter.

The massive smoke plume from the Rumsey Fire is visible for miles and has already impacted visibility on Highway 16 and surrounding areas. If you drive through Yolo County or live nearby, expect reduced visibility and potential air quality impacts over the coming days. Yolo County’s Office of Emergency Services has been sending out notifications to residents in the affected area, so make sure your emergency alerts are turned on.

This fire is a stark reminder that wildfire season in Northern California is serious and can escalate quickly. Having an evacuation plan, keeping your emergency kit ready, and staying informed through official county alerts are essential, especially if you live in rural or fire-prone areas. Are you prepared with an evacuation plan for your family, and do you have your emergency alerts set up?