Crews closing in on full containment for August Complex
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Sunday was another red flag warning day on the vast August Complex starting.
Crews have been challenged by numerous red flag warning days since the complex started August 16 and 17 due to lightning.
The entire August Complex, including the North and South zones, is estimated at 1,032,648 acres and 93-percent containment, with 729 personnel. It’s burning on the Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests.
The August Complex South Zone encompasses 594,249 acres and is 90-percent contained with 164 personnel assigned, officials said.
Fire Behavior Analyst Mike Beasley discussed the extreme fire weather conditions at the Sunday morning briefing.
“Any heat sources near the perimeter need to be checked and patrolled carefully today as the wind increases. If fire becomes established outside containment lines, crews can expect very active fire behavior with torching, spotting and running,” he said.
On Sunday, the Forest Service said crews held and patrolled firelines in those areas where heat sources may be lingering in berms near the perimeter.
Of utmost importance will be maintaining awareness for trees possibly falling across roads during the windy conditions. Fire will continue to smolder and creep in the Hellhole Canyon, the Forest Service said.
Officials said the South Zone fire managers are coordinating with incident management organizations for the northeast and northwest sides of the August Complex in order to share information and maximize the use of resources.
The complex is expected to be fully contained on Nov. 15.
Closure Order No. 08-20-14 is in effect for the Mendocino National Forest. Private properties accessed via a Forest System road may require a permit from the USDA Forest Service.
Contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information. Safety hazards include unstable trees that may fall, loose rocks and boulders, burning stumps and deep ash pits.