NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The Mill Fire increased by about 4,500 acres by Friday morning, with firefighters continuing firing operations and meeting continuing challenges due to tough terrain.
The fire has been burning north and east of Upper Letts Lake in the Colusa County side of the Mendocino National Forest since Saturday, July 7.
Mendocino National Forest officials said the fire was at 23,414 acres and 45 percent containment, with more than 1,600 personnel assigned to the incident.
The southern flank of the fire burned actively in steep rugged terrain overnight until early Friday morning, officials reported. Fire activity along that flank of the fire is expected to increase as an invasion lifts during the day Friday.
Firefighters are continuing to use burnout operations to try to remove fuel from the fire’s path, according to the report.
Forest officials are anticipating an increase in ridgetop winds as a result of a low-pressure trough that’s approaching the Pacific Northwest, brining slight cooling and increased humidity with it.
The resources on scene Friday included 29 Type 1 crews, 13 Type 2 crews, eight helicopters, 100 engines, 19 dozers and 12 water tenders.
An estimated $6.1 million has gone into fighting the fire thus far, according to forest officials.
Forest officials are still anticipating that the Mill Fire will be fully contained by next Friday, July 20.
The forest reported that archery season for deer hunting opens Saturday, July 14.
A closure order remains in effect for the fire area, which will affect hunters who traditionally visit the recreation area outside Stonyford, on the south central portion of the Grindstone Ranger District, where the fire has impacted 90 miles, or two-thirds, of the trail system.
The Snow Mountain Wilderness Area is still open and accessible from northern trailheads, including West Crockett, the forest said.
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