- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Efforts continue to control major wildland fire incidents around California
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Thousands of firefighters are continuing their efforts to contain major wildland fires around the state.
Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said fire activity has remained high over the past week in California, with Cal Fire crews responding to more than 270 new wildfires.
On Monday more than 5,000 firefighters were assigned to nine major wildfires in California, Berlant said.
The state's largest incident, the Wragg fire in Napa and Solano counties near Lake Berryessa, has been held to 6,591 acres, with containment rising to 75 percent by late Monday, Cal Fire said.
In Nevada County, Cal Fire reported that the Lowell fire continued burning, reaching 1,700 acres, with containment at 25 percent.
That fire injured four firefighters on Sunday – two from the Cal Fire Mendocino Unit and two from the US Forest Service.
One of the Forest Service firefighters is in the hospital with serious burn injuries, Cal Fire said.
The two Cal Fire firefighters and the remaining Forest Service firefighter were treated and released from the hospital, and are expected to make a full recovery and ready to return to the firefight, the agency said. All three are in good spirits Monday morning and had an opportunity to speak with their families.
Cal Fire said one of its firefighters injured in the incident already had returned to full duty, while the second will be recovering over the next week.
Fire officials are urging Californians to be cautious this week, as temperatures are expected to increase and relative humidity will decrease, which will heighten the fire danger even further.
For information on wildland fire preparedness, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org .
The following is are summaries of major incidents around the state follows, with size estimates through late Monday night.
Cal Fire incidents
– Lowell fire: Began July 25 in Nevada County; 1,700 acres, 25-percent contained. Evacuations remain in effect, with 1,800 structures in Nevada and Placer counties threatened. Four injuries. Cause is under investigation. Estimated full containment: Aug. 1.
– Wragg fire: Began July 22 in Napa and Solano counties; 6,591 acres, 75-percent contained. Evacuations lifted. Two outbuilding destroyed, three outbuildings and one residence damaged. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation. Estimated full containment: July 28.
– Queen fire: Began July 25 in Humboldt County; 200 acres, 42-percent contained. Two injuries. No cause given.
Federal incidents
– Willow fire: Began July 25 in Madera County; 1,521 acres, 5-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation.
– Cutca fire: Began July 24 in San Diego County; 167 acres, 75-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is unknown.
– Kyburz fire: Began July 23 in El Dorado County; 75 acres, 98-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation.
– Pines fire: Began July 17 in Los Angeles County; 200 acres, 85-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation.
– Lake fire: Began July 16 in San Bernardino County; 31,359 acres, 98-percent contained. No injuries reported. Human caused; remains under investigation.
– Washington fire: Began June 19 in Alpine County; 17,790 acres, 99% contained. No injuries reported. Caused by lightning. Estimated full containment: July 31.
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