NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters held the August Complex to a small amount of growth on Tuesday as they prepare for fire weather this week that could cause activity on the incident to increase.
The August Complex was up to 1,029,110 acres on Tuesday evening, a difference of only 81 acres since Monday night, with containment remaining at 76 percent, according to the US Forest Services.
Officials said there are 4,437 personnel assigned across all four management zones.
On the complex’s South Zone, the Forest Service said the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 continues to coordinate with Cal Fire Team 5 on control measures in the Middle Fork of the Eel River area, northeast of Covelo. Firefighters are constructing dozer line and handline in this area of the Mendocino National Forest to help protect local communities.
As temperatures warm up over the next few days, smoke may be visible in areas where vegetation within the fire’s perimeter continues to burn, the Forest Service said.
Firefighters are patrolling the west and south side of the fire for heat. Officials said firefighters are mopping up any areas of heat near the fireline to help ensure the fire perimeter remains secure. Firefighters are using remote sensing data that detects heat and periodic reconnaissance flights to monitor the east side of the South Zone.
On the southwest side of the South Zone, firefighters are clearing roads of fallen trees and debris, to allow for access of equipment that will be used for suppression repair. The Forest Service said firefighters also have also been repairing handline in the area.
On Monday, firefighters also conducted chipping operations as part of efforts to repair firelines in the Pillsbury Lake area, the Forest Service said.
Critical fire weather is expected Wednesday through Friday, with above-normal temperatures and very dry, windy conditions.
August Complex growth held down; fire officials monitor hot, dry weather in the forecast
- Lake County News reports
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