LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – While the Valley fire's acreage continued to grow on Wednesday, much-needed rain began to fall in the massive fire burn area, as well as across much of the rest of Lake County.
The Valley fire reached the 70,000-acre mark as of Wednesday morning, with containment remaining at 30 percent.
The fire began burning on Saturday afternoon on High Valley Road in Cobb before it took off and burned down through Hidden Valley Lake and Middletown, eventually crossing into Napa and Sonoma counties.
Cal Fire said the fire's behavior was moderate throughout the night due to cooler weather.
The increase in the fire size was primarily due to firing operations to assist in strengthening control lines.
Tuesday's winds also pushed the fire to the southeast and firefighters were able to quickly control the spread. Officials also said the wind and aircraft pushed the fire toward the burn scar of last year's Butts fire.
Cal Fire Captain Richard Cordova confirmed to Lake County News early Wednesday afternoon that rain was falling in the fire area.
He said that the wet weather had, by that point, not changed operations, including the use of aircraft.
“It all depends on visibility and what side of the fire the rain is falling on,” he said.
Cordova said the rain will be a help to firefighters, offering them cooler conditions in which to work.
“We're able to go in there and control more fire line,” he added.
Cal Fire said that 2,793 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with 317 engines, 70 water tenders, 56 hand crews, 43 dozers, 15 helicopters and eight air tankers.
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Valley fire acreage up again, rain arrives over fire area
- Elizabeth Larson
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