The August Lightning Fire Complex that started last Monday as 37 different fires on the Mendocino National Forest has burned 200,465 acres. Many of the original fires 30 miles northwest of Willows have merged to form larger fires. They include the 162,000 acre Doe Fire, the 9,000 acre Tatham Fire, the 19,700 acre Glade Fire and the 4,900 acre Hull Fire. The complex has an estimated overall containment of 17%. Staffing has improved a little, but still far short with only 476 personnel on scene for the massive operation.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for the Community of Platina and many other areas due to the Elkhorn Fire, which is now 36,250 acres and 30% contained. The Elkhorn is burning in Western Tehama County southwest of Red Bank Road. Two structures have been destroyed.
The many fires sparked by lightning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest have been relatively small, with the largest being the Spring Fire near Deer Lick Springs, which has grown to 230 acres with 60% containment.
The Red Salmon Complex in the Trinity Alps Wilderness now totals 21,600 acres with 42% overall containment. The fires are burning about 14 miles northeast of Willow Creek.
The North Complex in Plumas and Lassen National Forests originally included 21 fires, but 16 are contained. The largest are the 29,000 acre Sheep Fire, the 4,900 acre Bear Fire and the 20,400 acre Claremont Fire. All three have been producing Pyrocumulus columns.
The Potters Fire in Butte County is 927 acres and 95% contained. Of the original 34 lightning fires in Butte County, 8 are still active. They total about 2,900 acres with 63% overall containment.
A Sagebrush and Juniper Fire in Eastern Lassen and Modoc Counties continues to grow but containment has greatly improved. The Cold Springs Fire has now burned around 69,200 acres with 36% containment.