Kearney Fire Forces Mandatory Evacuations in Nevada County

Overview

• The blaze started on Kearney Court in the Penn Valley area and grew quickly to an estimated 30–35 acres within minutes of being reported.
• Nevada County issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones NCO‑E010 and NCO‑E011 and evacuation warnings for zones NCO‑E017, NCO‑E012 and NCO‑E014 to protect residents near Highway 20.
• Cal Fire’s Nevada‑Yuba‑Placer unit warned the fire was spreading at a dangerous rate and said it threatened structures, powerlines and the Highway 20 corridor.
• Local officials report no confirmed injuries or damage so far, and Cal Fire later said crews made strong progress and listed containment at roughly half the fire area while crews continue suppression work.
• The cause remains under investigation and officials warned that acreage and containment figures could change as crews complete damage assessments and secure lines during California’s high‑risk summer fire season.