NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Colusa County wildland fire complex burned more than 2,500 acres on Thursday, with firing operations planned for Friday.
The 16 Complex’s two fires have scorched a total of 9,754 acres, with firefighters achieving 20 percent containment, Cal Fire said Thursday night.
The fires – located four miles apart off of Highway 16 in the Rumsey Canyon – are burning grass, brush and oak woodland in the area’s steep, rugged terrain, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire and cooperating agencies had 1,268 fire personnel, 63 engines, 48 fire crews, four airtankers, seven helicopters, 22 bulldozers and 12 water tenders assigned to the incident on Thursday.
So far, three injuries have been reported, said Cal Fire.
On Thursday Cal Fire said the fires continued burning toward the junction of Highway 20 and Highway 16. As a result, Highway 16 remains closed from Highway 20 to the town of Rumsey.
The Cortina Rancheria is in the fires’ path, and is under an evacuation order. Cal Fire said efforts are under way to protect structures and cultural values in the rancheria and fire area.
Approximately 31 buildings – 23 of them residences – are threatened by the fire, Cal Fire said.
Firefighters made progress on Thursday in constructing fire line and determining strategic locations to access the fire, according to Cal Fire.
On Friday officials plan to burn out areas of unburned fuel within control lines, which will lead to more smoke being visible.
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