LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Early Saturday the acreage on the Rocky fire had a slight uptick while firefighters achieved another significant gain in containment.
Cal Fire estimated the size of the fire, which began July 29 east of Lower Lake, to be up by 36 acres, to 69,636 acres, with containment rising 12 percent overnight to reach 62 percent.
Resources committed to the incident as Saturday begins include 2,913 firefighters, 187 fire engines, 84 fire crews, 30 water tenders, 16 dozers and 11 helicopters, Cal Fire reported.
A mandatory evacuation order remains in place for the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision east of Clearlake Oaks and Morgan Valley Road at Butte Creek Road near Lower Lake, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire said full containment is still expected on Aug. 13.
The skies over much of Lake County were filled with smoke from the fire on Friday night, with Saturday beginning with a smoky haze as well.
The Lake County Air Quality Management District said that the smoke is coming not just from the Rocky fire but from several other major wildland fires burning around Northern California, including the Humboldt Complex, Mad River Complex, Gasquet Complex, River Complex and Route Complex. Winds are blowing the smoke south and out over the ocean.
With the forecast for westerly winds, the county may experience significant levels of smoke from these fires, the district reported.
The air district said areas impacted by smoke from any of the fires are forecast to have “moderate” to “unhealthy” air quality through the weekend.
With the opening of many evacuation areas and Mt. Konocti Park, the district is recommending caution to area residents and visitors. Air quality near and within the burn area may be moderate to unhealthy should winds or activity transport some of the fine particulate matter.
Additionally, if hiking in Mt. Konocti Park, caution is urged, as smoke from the multiple fires may impact the higher elevations on Mt. Konocti while missing the lower elevations, officials said.
The district also recommended being prepared for changing air conditions.
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Rocky fire acreage edges up slightly, containment hits 62 percent
- Elizabeth Larson
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