Uncertain weather conditions, among other factors, had been keeping evacuation orders in place through most of yesterday, even though acreage from the Highway Fire has remained mostly unchanged since it broke out Wednesday afternoon. But after 5pm, only two areas were still under mandatory evacuation by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department: Zone E-315 “A” and Zone 030, or the Omega-Diggins area. All other affected residents are now under an evacuation warning, including the town of Washington. Nevada County Sheriff’s Captain Sam Brown says it’s better to maintain a cautious approach. Acreage burned is still only around 30. But containment, although improved, is still at only around 10-percent. He says crews remain hampered by the unusually severe terrain and access challenges…

click to listen to Captain Brown

Brown also notes that the blaze is less than a mile from town…

click to listen to Captain Brown

Meanwhile, today road crews are in place on Washington Road, to enable controlled traffic access in and out of town, until four this afternoon. The road will no longer be accessible after 4pm and alternate routes will need to be used after that time.