History of River Fire (2021) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 19, 2025

The River Fire was a significant wildfire in August 2021 that affected Nevada and Placer Counties, California. It started on August 4th and was fully contained by August 13th, burning 2,619 acres. The fire caused substantial damage, destroying 142 structures and damaging 21 others. There were four injuries reported to firefighters and civilians. Investigators determined that the fire was human-caused, originating near a campground by the Bear River. The River Fire was the fifth most destructive fire in California during the 2021 wildfire season.

May 24, 2021: Burn Permits Suspended

On May 24, 2021, due to increasing wildfire risk, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) suspended all outdoor residential burn permits in Yuba, Nevada, and Placer counties.

August 4, 2021: River Fire Breaks Out

On August 4, 2021, the River Fire ignited near Colfax in Nevada County and Placer County, California.

August 13, 2021: River Fire Fully Contained

On August 13, 2021, the River Fire was fully contained, having burned 2,619 acres. The fire destroyed 142 structures, damaged 21, and caused injuries to four people.

August 16, 2021: Evacuation Orders Lifted in Nevada County

On August 16, 2021, all areas under evacuation order in Nevada County were reopened to the public, allowing residents to assess the damage and retrieve their belongings.

August 24, 2021: Federal Disaster Declaration Approved

On August 24, 2021, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for counties impacted by the Dixie Fire and the River Fire, including Nevada and Placer Counties. This made the counties eligible for public assistance for emergency work and repairs, and allowed individuals affected to request financial assistance through FEMA.

September 10, 2021: Cal Fire Releases Initial Findings

On September 10, 2021, Cal Fire released their initial findings, stating that the River Fire started in the overnight camping area of the Bear River Campground and was human-caused. The investigation was ongoing to determine the specific details leading to the fire's cause.

October 2021: Evacuations Due to Flash Flooding Potential

In late October 2021, during heavy precipitation brought by an atmospheric river and a bomb cyclone, some areas that burned in the River Fire were temporarily placed under mandatory evacuation orders due to the potential for flash flooding.

March 7, 2022: Cal Fire Releases Another Update on the Investigation

On March 7, 2022, Cal Fire released another update on the investigation. It specified that investigators had determined that the River Fire started on the brush alongside the Bear River's edge in the overnight camping area of the Bear River Campground, but did not start in a designated camp site. According to the investigation news release, "Multiple people tried to extinguish the fire in its early stages. During the investigation, items were found near the fire's origin indicating a person(s) had recently been present in the area." The report also stated that there was "no evidence to support any malicious intent or criminal charges at this time."