NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Officials reported that a complex of lightning-caused fires is continuing to burn up acreage in the Mendocino National Forest.
The August Complex on the Mendocino National Forest’s Grindstone Ranger District burned 160,005 acres by Saturday night, with containment at 11 percent, the US Forest Service reported.
The complex, located 30 miles northeast of Willows, began burning last Sunday, in the wake of thunderstorms that passed over the region.
The Forest Service said it’s made up of 20 fires.
In a Saturday report, forest officials said the complex had so far destroyed 10 structures.
The largest of the fires include the Doe, 136,430 acres; the Glade, 13,088 acres; the Tatham, 7,667 acres; the Hopkins, 2,153 acres; and the Willow Basin, 601 acres.
The Forest Service said firefighters are working with Cal Fire to construct dozer lines along County Road 306 in Glenn County to provide protection to private homes and properties against the Tatham fire, which is four miles west of Paskenta.
Officials said fire crews are going direct on the west flank of the Glade fire and making good progress while continuing to protect property at risk on the east and southeast side of the fire.
The Hopkins fire is burning in an old fire scar in the Yolla Bolly wilderness and is staffed with smokejumpers, officials said.
The Forest Service said 397 firefighting personnel and 124 overhead personnel, 28 engines, three helicopters, seven bulldozers, four water tenders and seven crews are assigned to the complex.
Also in the Mendocino National Forest, the 2,000-acre Hull fire is burning five miles north of Lake Pillsbury on the Upper Lake Ranger District.
Officials said Saturday that the fire, caused by lightning, was discovered on Wednesday.
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August Complex continues burning in Mendocino National Forest
- Elizabeth Larson
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