Firefighters hold back Mendocino Complex growth, increase containment
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Firefighters curtailed growth on the Mendocino Complex on Saturday, strengthening the lines around it and edging it closer to full containment.
Cal Fire said the complex was up to 383,690 acres, increasing by just under 4,000 acres in the previous 24-hour period. Containment rose to 79 percent by Saturday night.
The Ranch fire portion of the complex continues to actively burn; it was up to 334,770 acres, with its containment at 76 percent, Cal Fire said. The River fire has been fully contained since Monday evening at 48,920 acres.
Resources said there are approximately 3,439 firefighters assigned to the incident, including 188 engines, 86 water tenders, 21 helicopters, 74 hand crews and 63 dozers.
Firefighters made progress on the incident on Saturday thanks to smoky conditions and light winds, which Cal Fire said allowed them to continue constructing containment line and mopping up with less active fire behavior on the northern side of the Ranch fire. Aircraft also continued to work on the fire as conditions permitted.
Cal Fire said some fire activity was noted on the northeast side of the fire near Goat Mountain Road; however, it was within the fire perimeter.
Firing operations will continue if weather allows, and as the evening progresses, fire crews and dozers will continue their efforts to build containment lines and mop up, Cal Fire said.
Patrol and suppression repair continue on both the southern portion of the Ranch fire and the contained River fire area, Cal Fire said.
The damage assessment numbers on the complex remained unchanged on Saturday evening: 277 destroyed (157 residences, 120 others); 37 damaged (13 residences, 24 other buildings).
Cal Fire said that on Saturday, 1,050 structures remained threatened by the Ranch fire.
The cause of the fires, burning since July 27, remain under investigation, officials said.
Firefighters appear to remain on target for Cal Fire’s estimated containment date of Sept. 1.
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