Soda, Yolla Bolly fire complexes expected to be contained this month

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NORTH COAST – Fires burning in National Forest lands in Lake and Mendocino counties are expected to be contained this month, fire officials reported Sunday.


The blazes are among more than 1,700 lightning-caused fires that began more than two weeks ago when a reported 8,000 lightning strikes hit the state.


The Soda Complex, located on the Mendocino National Forest's Upper Lake Ranger District in remote areas to the north and northwest of Lake Pillsbury, was 76-percent contained on Sunday, with 5,740 acres burned, officials reported.


Fighting the fire has cost an estimated $4.9 million to date, according to Forest Service spokesman Brian LaMoure.


Growth potential on the fire remains high but only two fires – the Mill, 890 acres and 45-percent contained, and the Monkey Rock, 1,060 acres at 15-percent containment – are still burning. Fire officials estimate the Mill will be contained on July 10, and the Monkey Rock on July 15.


The 7,484-acre Yolla Bolly Complex of fires – located 20 miles west of Paskenta in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness – reached 50-percent containment on Sunday, with burnout operations continuing, according to Forest Service spokesperson Mary Christensen.


Estimated containment on the fires has been moved up to July 30. Fire suppression costs are estimated at more than $1.2 million, Christensen reported.


In neighboring Mendocino County, a complex of lightning fires reached 45-percent containment on Sunday, having burned 46,800 acres. Forty-three of 127 original fires remain active, with more than 1,700 firefighters assigned to the complex.


Officials reported that numerous evacuation warnings remain in place around the county, including for the Rockport, Cummings and Leggett communities.


Fire suppression costs to date total $21.2 million for the Mendocino Lightning Complex, Cal Fire reported.


There has been one fatality, 27 injuries and two residences destroyed in Mendocino County, according to Cal Fire. A total of 335 residences remain threatened.


E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


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