UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters continue their efforts to fully contain a wildland fire north of Upper Lake, work which could be impacted by increasing temperatures expected through the Labor Day weekend.
The Elk fire, burning since Wednesday afternoon off of Elk Mountain Road, remained at 670 acres on Friday morning, with containment up to 35 percent, according to a report from Cal Fire Division Chief Mike Wilson.
Wilson explained that the fire's containment is a combination of direct fire line built and the level of confidence the fire will stay within those lines.
Cal Fire and the United States Forest Service – which hold unified command of the incident – worked aggressively through the night to gain the increased containment on the fire, Wilson said.
While the spread of the fire has been stopped, Wilson said there is a large amount of unburned fuel within the lines, with gusty winds and increasing temperatures expected over the holiday weekend.
He said crews at scene continue to build and improve fire lines, and mop up hot spots near its perimeter.
There was a resources in increases assigned to the fire on Friday, which included 270 firefighters and 25 overhead/command personnel, 26 engine companies, 18 fire crews, four water tenders, four helicopters and three bulldozers.
Cal Fire said the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Roads remain open in the area but officials ask drivers to use caution due to firefighters continuing to work in the area.
Cal Fire and the US Forest Service said they need the public to be extremely cautious while working or recreating near dry fuels for the remainder of the fire season.
Using equipment, parking in dry grass, mowing, dragging tow chains and cooking are all avoidable causes of fire, officials said. Learn more by visiting www.preventwildfireca.org .
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Elk fire: Containment up, officials concerned about weekend forecast
- Elizabeth Larson
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