River Fire (2021)
The River Fire was a wildfire that burned in the Colfax area in Nevada County and Placer County, California, in the United States during the 2021 California wildfire season. The fire was first reported on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, and was fully contained on Friday, August 13, 2021. The River Fire destroyed 142 structures, damaged 21 more, and resulted in 4 injuries to firefighters and civilians. It was the 5th most destructive fire of 2021 in California. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but CAL FIRE officials stated after an investigation that it had been "determined to be of human cause," originating in the overnight camping area of Bear River Campground west of Colfax. Background Before the fire started, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of northeastern California (including the region the River Fire burned within) between August 4 and August 5, due to forecast gusty winds and low humidity. In such conditions, large fires can start easily and spread rapidly with extreme fire behavior. Progression On August 4, 2021, at approximately 1:59 pm, the River Fire started in the brush alongside the Bear River in the overnight camping area of Bear River