Northern corners of Mendocino Complex continue to challenge firefighters
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Officials said the Mendocino Complex continued to challenge firefighters on Saturday, with acreage edging up once more.
The complex burned another 3,000 acres – all of it on the Ranch fire – for a day’s-end total of 328,226 acres. Containment remained at 67 percent, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire said the River fire continued on Saturday to be held at 48,920 acres and 92-percent containment, with suppression repair and patrolling under way, while the Ranch fire grew to 279,306 acres and 58-percent containment.
All on its own, the Ranch fire is one of the largest fires in California history.
In its Saturday evening report, Cal Fire said the northwest corner of the Ranch fire remained very active throughout the day. The northeast corner of the fire remained active as well,
and both northern corners are proving to be very challenging.
Cal Fire said hot weather and wind are adding to the challenge for firefighters, continuing to drive the fire north in both directions. The heavy smoke from active fire and terrain limit the ability to find access points for direct attack on the fire front.
For fire officials, the Ranch fire’s northern fire front will continue to be a priority for fire suppression resources.
Air attack also will continue to fly as visibility and weather permits, Cal Fire said. The thickness of the smoke has caused some aircraft to be curtailed over the past two weeks.
Helicopters continued to work along the Northshore on Saturday, hauling buckets on long lines between the lake and the fire area.
Assigned resources were rolled back slightly on Saturday as demands for firefighters and engines continued around California because of other wildland fire incidents.
The destroyed structure count remains at 258 (139 residences, 119 other structures), and the structures damaged tally also is unchanged at 37 (13 residences, 24 other buildings).
Cal Fire said 3,422 firefighters, 281 engines, 87 water tenders, 20 helicopters, 61 hand crews and 76 dozers are working the incident.
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