REGIONAL: Pass Fire size downgraded, containment improves

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NORTH COAST, Calif. – On Thursday state officials reduced the estimates of the size of a Mendocino County fire burning near Covelo.


The Pass Fire, which broke out just after noon on Wednesday, had previously been estimated at 800 acres, but Cal Fire said on Thursday that the blaze was 644 acres.


The fire is located on Hams Road Pass in the Hulls Mountain area northeast of Covelo, Cal Fire said.


Firefighters continued the work of constructing and improving containment lines, and improved and held fire lines and put out hot spots, with Cal Fire reporting that the blaze was 45-percent contained as of Thursday evening. It is expected to be fully contained on Saturday.


On Thursday the number of personnel on the fire totaled 921, more than double the number of the previous day, according to Cal Fire's reports.


One injury was reported, according to the Thursday report.


Approximately 52 engines, 33 fire crews, one air tanker, three helicopters, six dozers and seven water tenders also were on scene, according to Cal Fire.


Cooperating agencies include Cal Fire, Brooktrails Fire Department, Covelo Fire Department, Laytonville Fire Department, Little Lake Fire Department, Redwood Valley/Calpella Fire Department, Ukiah Valley Fire Protection District, US Forest Service and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Mendocino National Forest was taking part in the unified command.


Cal Fire reported that costs to fight the fire so far total $ 867,000.


No structures are threatened, and the fire's cause is under investigation, Cal Fire said.


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