Alta Sierra Fire Today: Clover Fire Spreads From Structure Into Grass, Prompting Evacuation Orders

ALTA SIERRA, Calif. — A fast-moving wildfire in the Alta Sierra area of Nevada County has prompted evacuation orders and warnings after a structure fire spread into surrounding grass, threatening nearby properties and prompting a major emergency response.

The incident, identified as the Clover Fire, was reported Friday, August 21, 2026, near Clover Valley Road and Fay Drive. Crews from the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District responded to a well-involved structure fire that extended into nearby vegetation. CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba Unit also responded as the fire began spreading rapidly.

Clover Fire Spreads Rapidly

Firefighters reported a rapid rate of spread as flames moved from the structure into dry grass and surrounding vegetation. Nearby structures were threatened as the fire advanced.

Initial estimates placed the fire at approximately 8 acres, while later incident information listed the Clover Fire at 12 acres with 0% containment. Fire size and containment figures can change as crews conduct suppression operations and officials reassess the perimeter.

The combination of a structure fire and fast-moving vegetation fire created an immediate threat to nearby residents and properties.

Evacuation Order Issued

Because of the threat to life and property, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for zone NCO-E048, located east of the Alta Sierra Country Club.

Residents within the evacuation-order zone were instructed to leave immediately and follow directions from emergency officials.

An evacuation warning was also issued for zone NCO-E050. Residents under a warning were urged to remain prepared to evacuate should conditions deteriorate or authorities expand the evacuation order.

People outside the affected zones should continue monitoring official alerts because evacuation boundaries can change quickly during an active wildfire.

Evacuation Centers Established

A temporary evacuation point was established at Magnolia Intermediate School on Kingston Lane in Grass Valley.

Students evacuated from Alta Sierra Elementary School were taken to Magnolia Intermediate School while authorities managed the emergency and provided a safe location for displaced residents and students.

Officials also established a temporary animal evacuation shelter at Nevada County Hoseman on Bubbling Wells Road to assist residents evacuating with pets and livestock.

Power Outages Reported

The fire also affected local utilities. Approximately 1,432 Pacific Gas and Electric customers in the Alta Sierra area were reported to be without power as the emergency response continued.

Power interruptions can occur during wildfires when infrastructure is threatened or when utilities take precautionary measures to protect the public and equipment.

Firefighters Work to Protect Structures

Fire crews continue working to slow the Clover Fire, protect threatened properties and prevent additional spread through the Alta Sierra area.

The rapidly changing conditions have made evacuation planning particularly important. Residents in areas affected by orders or warnings should not wait until flames or smoke are immediately visible before leaving.

Anyone inside an evacuation-order zone should follow the order and leave as directed by authorities.

Clover Fire Remains Active

The Clover Fire remains a developing emergency. The reported acreage, containment percentage, evacuation boundaries, power outages and potential property damage may change as firefighters continue suppression operations.

At the latest available information, the fire had burned approximately 12 acres and remained at 0% containment, while an evacuation order remained in effect for at least one zone.

Residents should rely on official information from CAL FIRE, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency agencies rather than unverified social-media reports.

The priority remains protecting lives, evacuating threatened residents, assisting people with animals and preventing the Clover Fire from spreading farther through the Alta Sierra community.