- Lake County News reports
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August Complex grows another 20,000 acres; heavy winds could cause fire spread
The US Forest Service said the August Complex in the Mendocino National Forest reached 325,172 acres and 24 percent containment on Sunday.
The Hull, Doe, Tatham, and Glade fires have merged to form one large fire, officials said.
There are 1,070 resources committed to the complex, including 22 crews, four camp crews, seven helicopters, 53 engines, 20 dozers, 32 water tenders, and two masticators.
Due to high temperatures and gusty winds, the potential for rapid fire spread throughout the complex will continue today through Tuesday, officials said. Temperatures could range from the mid-90s on the ridges to 110 degrees in the valleys.
A spot fire moved beyond the containment line in the Buck Rock area moving west towards an old burn scar. The Forest Service said crews will continue to contain and mop up the spot.
Firefighters were assisted with air operations dropping water from C-130 tankers and helicopters Saturday on the Hopkins fire, which is 15,466 acres and 10-percent contained, officials said.
The Forest Service said firefighters continue to use old burn scars and road systems in burnout operations, working along Rainbow Ridge with crews and heavy equipment, and air support.
Air operations also supported work in the areas around the M1 Road near the northwest corner of the Hull fire. Officials said a spot crossed the line during a burnout operation on Saturday. Fire retardant was used to cool down the area and hand crews worked to mop up the spot fire. That work continued on Sunday.
The burnout operations near Mendocino Pass to the west side of the Doe fire were successful and stayed within containment lines, officials said. Crews are also conducting burnout operations around the Mitchell Place on the north end of the Complex.
The Forest Service said crews are performing these operations in anticipation of potential rapid fire spread in the coming days. The burnout operations are aimed at slowing or stopping the fire as it reaches predetermined areas.
Mendocino National Forest officials updated the area closure for the August Complex on Sept. 5. The Forest Order 08-20-12 and map are posted on the forest website.
Daily updates and the virtual community meeting can be found on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page.
The most up to date information on the August Complex can be found on InciWeb.