NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The US Forest Service said work is continuing on the complex of lightning-caused fires that began nearly two weeks ago on the Mendocino National Forest.
The Mendocino National Forest reported that the August Complex, which began on Aug. 16, remained at 200,465 acres and 17-percent containment on Thursday.
Due to the number of fires, the number of resources assigned to the incident and the conditions experienced thus far, it may take weeks for fire crews to construct and reinforce firelines and reach 100 containment on the fires in the complex, officials said.
The forest issued an area closure, Forest Order 08-20-10, on Aug. 21 to ensure people do not enter this hazardous fire area.
Officials said the closure was implemented to keep the public safe and the firefighters safe while they are working to protect property and contain the fires.
There is no access into the closure area until forest officials determine it is safe to do so, and the forest reported that they do not know exactly when that will be.
Until then, officials said they will continue to post as much information as they can every day, host virtual meetings and answer questions to the best of their ability.
There are a lot of private inholdings located with the Mendocino National Forest in proximity to the fires in the complex.
“We understand that these properties are very important to the owners who have had them in their families for decades,” said Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson. “We recognize that people are nervous about the fires and are wondering whether their property will still be there after the fires, but right now, it is too dangerous to enter the closure area.”
Forest staff asked for the public’s patience and cooperation as they continue to work hard to contain the fires in the complex.
Any questions about access to private property within the closed area can be directed to the Mendocino National Forest Willows office at 530-934-3316.
Officials: Work to contain August Complex could take weeks
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