MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Fire crews continue to work on a number of lightning-caused fires across the Mendocino National Forest after thunderstorms on Tuesday.
The largest incidents are the Skeleton fire and the Slides fire, located on the Upper Lake Ranger District, according to forest spokeswoman Sandra Moore.
Moore said there are several other small fires in other areas of the forest.
The Slides fire is approximately four miles west of Lake Pillsbury. It is estimated at 40 acres and 20 percent contained, Moore said Wednesday night.
She said there are 65 personnel at the incident, two dozers, 11 engines, and one water tender. There is private property in proximity to the fire.
On Wednesday, the very large air tanker, or VLAT, DC-10 was used to drop several loads of retardant on the fire, Moore said.
Moore explained that the VLAT can drop a little over 11,000 gallons of retardant per load. Water scoopers are also on order. Steep terrain is hampering suppression efforts.
The Skeleton fire is about five miles east of Lake Pillsbury, adjacent to the Snow Mountain Wilderness. It is estimated at 200 acres and 40 percent contained, Moore said.
She said crews are reporting creeping and smoldering fire activity. Approximately 120 resources are on scene including three crews, two dozers, eight engines and four water tenders.
Three additional lightning-caused fires – the Penny, Pan and Harvey – are located in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, Moore said.
Smokejumpers are assigned to the Penny fire, the other fires remain unstaffed, according to Moore’s report.
Work continues on lightning fires on Mendocino National Forest
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