NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The lightning fire complex burning in the Mendocino National Forest has burned nearly 26,000 more acres over the past day, with firefighters making minor containment gains.
The August Complex currently sits at 287,106 acres with containment improving 3 percent to 23 percent, the US Forest Service reported on Thursday afternoon.
Officials said there are 733 resources committed to the complex including 15 crews, one camp crew, seven helicopters, 47 engines, 18 dozers, 26 water tenders and three masticators.
More resources are moving up to the Hopkins fire – 9,402 acres, 0-percent contained – to slow the spread of fire growth on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and to protect structures and cultural resources in the area, the Forest Service reported.
The Doe fire, the largest fire on the incident at 276,615 acres, grew slowly towards natural drainages on the north end of the fire, the Forest Service reported.
In the Crane Mills area, officials said an additional crew conducted burn out operations between Mitchell Place and Russell Cabin. Firefighters will continue to improve containment lines as southwest winds begin on Thursday.
On the northwest end of the Doe fire, an additional crew is providing support between Buck Rock and Howards Lake where the fire crossed primary containment lines. The Forest Service said Government Flat to Anthony Peak is another area of focus on Thursday for continued structure protection.
On the western perimeter of the fire, officials said southwest winds are expected to push the fire away from the homes and cabins between Plaskett Ridge and the FH7 road.
On the southwest perimeter of the Doe fire where the Hull fire began, additional crews will continue to support containment lines between Bald Mountain south to Monkey Rock where a spot fire occurred yesterday off the M1 road, the Forest Service reported.
Officials said firefighters continue to monitor the southern and eastern perimeters of the fire, where containment lines stretch from Lake Pillsbury to Elk Creek, all the way up to Salt Creek Conservation Camp.
Smoke will result in poor air quality Thursday afternoon as smoke settles into drainages, officials said.
Mendocino National Forest officials updated the area closure for the August Complex on Saturday, Aug. 29. The Forest Order 08-20-11 and map are posted on the forest website.
Daily updates and the virtual community meeting can be found on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page.
The most up-to-date information on the August Complex can be found on InciWeb.