Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 14:12
On July 11, 2026, the Mystic Fire ignited in the Bitney Springs area of Nevada County, California, threatening homes and prompting a swift response from multiple fire agencies. The fire, reported off Mystic Court and White Canoe Lane, burned approximately three acres including a 0.07-acre spot fire and was fully contained by the next day. The incident was managed by CAL FIRE NEU, with 80 personnel assigned. As of press time Monday, the cause of the fire is still under investigation according to Nevada County Consolidated Fire District Chief Jason Robitaille.
First reported at about 4:09 p.m. on July 11, the Mystic Fire spread at a moderate rate, with air resources including tankers from Grass Valley Air Attack Base and helicopters dropping water and retardant. By 4:21 p.m., units reported 1/2 to 1 acre of grass and oak woodland with structures threatened. At 4:23 p.m., Air Attack 230 lifted and requested additional tankers, noting two structures immediately threatened. By 4:25 p.m., the fire was approximately 2 acres, burning at a moderate rate of spread. At 4:27 p.m., Air Attack requested an additional helicopter. At 4:31 p.m., the Incident Commander requested five additional engines, three water tenders, and four hand crews. At 4:37 p.m., Intel 12 mapped the fire, reporting slowed progression, with helicopters working spot fires outside retardant lines and ground resources providing structure protection. At 4:40 p.m., evacuation warnings were issued for some residences on Bitney Springs, and the IC reduced the additional resource request to two engines and two crews as retardant lines and hoselines were nearly complete. At 4:46 p.m., the retardant box was complete around the fire, and Tanker 82 was placed on load-and-hold at Grass Valley Air Attack Base. At 4:52 p.m., the IC canceled an incoming dozer as resources at scene were sufficient. At 4:56 p.m., one spot outside the retardant line was being picked up by helicopter and a tanker drop. At 5:08 p.m., Air Attack kept one tanker and helicopters at scene; one spot fire was being contained, and an outbuilding containing fuel canisters was fully involved and exploding. At 5:11 p.m., 617 PG&E customers lost power due to de-energized lines as a safety measure. At 5:16 p.m., the IC requested two additional water tenders. At 5:20 p.m., Air Attack reported conditions had greatly improved, with a solid retardant line and no spot fires. At 5:22 p.m., Tanker 83 was released from load-and-hold at Grass Valley Air Attack Base. At 5:24 p.m., forward progress was stopped at 2 acres with a 0.7-acre spot fire. At 5:46 p.m., all aircraft left the incident, with ground resources continuing mop-up for several hours. At 6:09 p.m., the IC reported crews would be committed for three hours, and all four spot fires were fully contained. At 11:59 p.m., one water tender was recommitted to the incident. The fire was 100% contained by July 11.
The fire threatened structures, and an outbuilding containing fuel canisters exploded, sending shrapnel near firefighters. A life and safety hazard regarding the potential of ammunition stored in a threatened shed was communicated to firefighters. During the incident a handful of explosions did occur with one sending hot shrapnel past firefighters working the structure fire. Evacuation warnings were issued for Mystic Lane but lifted after an hour or so when crews got a good handle on the blaze. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation warning for zone NCO-E076, near Rough and Ready Highway between Bonanza Way and Kenny Ranch Trails, advising residents to be prepared to leave, especially those needing extra time or with pets and livestock. PG&E de-energized power lines, affecting 617 customers. No injuries were reported. One structure was destroyed on Mystic Court in Rough and Ready.
The Mystic Fire occurred in Nevada County, near the Sierra Nevada foothills, a region prone to wildfires during dry summer months. The incident diverted air resources from the larger Elephant Fire on the Sierra/Plumas County border, highlighting the strain on local firefighting capacity. The Elephant Fire, which started Saturday afternoon along Highway 49 and moved east into the scar of the Loyalton Fire, had burned 12,670 acres as of Wednesday and was 42% contained, becoming California's second largest fire of the season. It is named for Elephant's Head, a 6,600-foot mountain near the ignition site. Evacuation orders in Lassen County were lifted Monday evening, and highways 70, 49, and 395 remained open. Smoke from the Elephant Fire drifted into Reno, Nevada, causing residents to fear a local fire, but no active blaze was confirmed there. The National Weather Service warned of degraded air quality along the US-395 corridor from Lassen County into the North Valleys, Reno/Sparks, Carson City, Carson Valley, Tahoe Basin, and the W.Nevada Basin and Range.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in California, with Nevada County experiencing several fires in recent years. The region's dry vegetation and rugged terrain often challenge containment efforts. The Mystic Fire's quick containment was aided by rapid air support and ground crews. In a separate incident, the Kearny Fire destroyed a home in Nevada County, leaving a family of five with nothing but rubble. The McCombs family, who had just moved into their dream home on July 1, lost all their belongings, including children's toys and a wedding dress. They escaped with only a photo album and their dog. The community has rallied to support them, with local businesses offering meals, storage, and clothing. A friend set up a donation page to help the family rebuild.
The Mystic Fire serves as a reminder of wildfire risks in Nevada County. Residents are advised to stay prepared with evacuation plans and heed warnings. The fire's containment within hours demonstrates effective interagency cooperation. The destruction of the McCombs home underscores the devastating impact wildfires can have on families, even when fire safety measures are taken.
