Northern California is in the grip of another wildfire emergency. The Twain Fire ignited Saturday north of the Feather River Highway in Plumas County, and as of Sunday evening at 7 p.m., crews had managed to contain just 10% of the blaze—a sobering stat when you consider that at least 275 acres have already burned.
Evacuation warnings are now in effect for residents living north of Highway 70 between the Greenville Wye west to Rush Creek. These aren’t casual precautions; they’re urgent notices that families in the affected zone should be prepared to leave on short notice. The U.S. Forest Service is managing the response, and they’ve made it clear this fire is still in its dangerous early stages, with minimal containment and the potential to spread further as conditions develop.
The Forest Service is also urging hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to steer clear of the area. Heavy smoke has blanketed the canyon, reducing visibility and air quality to hazardous levels. For anyone with plans to explore that region, the message is simple: avoid it for now.
What makes this moment particularly tense is the timing. California’s fire season is ramping up, and crews are already stretched thin responding to multiple incidents across the state. The Twain Fire isn’t the only active threat—the U.S. Forest Service is simultaneously managing the Elephant Fire, which has prompted evacuation orders in Sierra and Lassen counties. That’s a sobering reminder that summer 2026 could be shaping up to be another brutal season for fire management and community safety in the Sierra Nevada and beyond.
If you’re in or near the evacuation warning zone, stay alert to official updates from local emergency management. Pack a go-bag, know your evacuation routes, and don’t wait for an order to leave if you feel unsafe. Wildfires move fast, and preparation is the best defense.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
