MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Mendocino National Forest officials reported that firefighters are making gains in their efforts to control lightning-caused fires on the forest, including the Slide 1 fire, sparked earlier this week.

Forest officials said the Slide 1 fire, which is located approximately 1.5 miles north of Mt. Linn in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, has grown slightly today to an estimated 320 acres.

All assigned resources remain on scene, as of the forest’s Wednesday evening update.

On Wednesday, initial attack crews hiked to the fire’s edge and had the opportunity to work on a direct fire line. Though firefighters are making progress, containment on the Slide 1 Fire remains at 0%.

Access to the fire’s edge is quite challenging and requires strenuous hiking through steep, rugged country, officials said.

Excessive heat is also taking its toll on firefighters, and two heat-related medical incidents occurred on Wednesday, according to the evening report.

Incident managers have requested additional support including a type-3 helicopter, type-1 initial attack hotshot crews, fire-line qualified medics and resource advisors. A falling crew is also on scene.

The weather forecast shows active potential for thunderstorms over the next several days.

Agency administrators expect a portion of the Yolly Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness on the Grindstone Ranger District to close to the public in the coming days.

On Tuesday there were 156 lightning strikes on the forest. On Tuesday night, an engine and initial attack crew responded to the Pebble fire, which is located near Pine Mountain on the Upper Lake Ranger District. The Pebble fire is contained at 0.32 acres and in patrol status.

Also on Wednesday, smokejumpers and a hotshot crew responded to a lightning fire in the Sanhedrin Wilderness near Impassable Rock and west of Big Signal Peak, now called the Rock Fire.

Fire personnel have requested additional jumpers and air attack as the fire is burning in steep terrain with heavy fuels. The Rock fire is currently at one acre.

The Hole fire on the Covelo Ranger District was contained on Tuesday and remains in patrol status.

Additional information about the Slide 1 Fire and other lightning-related fires will be posted to Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/camnf-2023-slide-1.