SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Officials said cooler overnight temperatures and the impacts of Wednesday's rain helped keep the Valley fire's acreage growth down, but warmer temperatures are said to be on the way.
On Thursday morning Cal Fire said the fire had grown to 73,700 acres, with containment remaining at 35 percent.
Its current size makes it the second-largest wildland fire in Lake County's recorded fire history, behind only the 83,000-acre Forks fire of 1996 and just ahead of this summer's nearly 70,000-acre Rocky fire, based on official fire records.
The cause of the Valley fire, now in its fifth day, remains under investigation, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said the fire's behavior was moderated overnight due to cooler weather and rainy conditions.
The agency reported that more than half an inch of rain fell over portions of the fire on Wednesday, which assisted firefighters in strengthening and constructing additional fire lines.
However, the forecast include a warming trend that's expected to take place over the next few days with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees over the weekend, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said its damage inspection teams continue to gather information in the affected fire area.
The tally of destroyed homes on Thursday morning remained at 585, with officials stating that as access improves and additional information becomes available, the numbers of damaged or destroyed structures will change.
The inspection process is meticulous and ongoing, the agency said.
Personnel and equipment continue to arrive to join the firefighting effort.
Firefighting personnel numbered 3,580 as Thursday began, along with 441 engines, 70 water tenders, 68 hand crews, 64 dozers, 18 helicopters and two air tankers, Cal Fire said.
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Cal Fire reports more overnight growth of Valley fire
- Elizabeth Larson
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