49er Fire

The film will also explore the historic 49er Fire in Nevada and Yuba Counties, which was fueled by a combination of drought conditions, strong winds, and challenging terrain. The fire started on September 11, 1988, and quickly spread through dry vegetation, ultimately burning over 33,000 acres, destroying hundreds of homes, and forcing mass evacuations. Foehn-like winds (similar to Santa Ana winds) intensified the fire’s behavior, making it extremely difficult for firefighters to control. The combination of strong east winds and the dry, rugged landscape made the 49er Fire an example of how powerful natural forces can drive wildfire disasters in California.