Mendocino Complex

September 19, 2018 at 7:41 AM

The Ranch Fire is now 100 percent contained and the River Fire is 100 percent contained. Throughout the remainder of the week, crews will continue to monitor fire activity and repair firelines on the Ranch Fire. There are 22 miles of fireline to repair. The goal is to reduce erosion and other impacts from suppression activities. The forest is doing everything possible to reasonably reduce risks to the public and reopen areas but there is still a lot of restoration work to do. Some of the hazards in the closed area include burned standing trees or snags, exposed rebar stakes, logs and rocks that may become loose, and burned-out stump holes. The repair work has to be done before areas can be reopened to the public. With the current warmer and drier weather more smoke from well within the perimeter of the fire may be visible at times.
Fire Closure Area: The Ranch Fire area is closed as described in Forest Order 08-18-15. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety and for the firefighters who are engaged in repair efforts within the Ranch Fire closure area. The closure area applies to all public use, including hunting, the use of firearms and off-highway vehicles. The northern half of the forest is open for outdoor activities.
The B-Zone deer hunting season opened on Saturday and continues until Sunday 10/21/18. Forest visitors need to exercise extreme caution near the fire closure since heavy equipment and firefighting vehicles are utilizing area roads. Visitors can contact the ranger station nearest their destination for current information. For a high-resolution closure map, please use the following link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6073/0/88371
There will be no further updates for this incident unless significant activity occurs.

September 17, 2018 at 9:31 AM

Throughout the week, crews will monitor fire activity and repair firelines on the Ranch Fire. There are 30 miles of fireline still to repair. The direction for fire suppression repair work is to leave a roughened surface to promote infiltration, erosion control, and recovery of native plants and where available, scatter brush over the fireline. This work includes building water bars, reducing dirt berms and removing trees that were bulldozed during suppression operations.

Fire Closure Area: The Ranch Fire area is closed as described in Forest Order 08-18-15. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety, and for the firefighters who are engaged in repair efforts within the Ranch Fire closure area. The closure area applies to all public use, including hunting, the use of firearms and off-highway vehicles. The northern half of the forest is open for outdoor activities.

The B-Zone deer hunting season opened on Saturday and continues until Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Forest visitors need to exercise extreme caution near the fire closure since heavy equipment and firefighting vehicles are utilizing area roads. Visitors can contact the ranger station nearest their destination for current information. For a high-resolution closure map, please use the following link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6073/0/88371

The Mendocino Complex: The Mendocino Complex is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Northern California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (NorCal 1) under Incident Commander Curtis Coots. NorCal 1 assumed command of the incident Monday at 7 a.m. This is the sixth incident management team assigned to the Mendocino Complex since the Ranch and River fires started July 27, 2018. The Mendocino National Forest thanks the Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 for their service during their 14-day assignment on the complex.

The Ranch Fire is 98 percent contained, with the remaining two percent located in extremely steep, rocky terrain. This section will likely remain uncontained until a season ending weather event occurs, which is persistent precipitation across a two or three-day period, with no hot and dry weather conditions in the long-term weather forecast. The River Fire is 100 percent contained. For detailed Mendocino Complex information visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/.

Please note: The next fire update will be provided when significant activity occurs.

September 16, 2018 at 8:52 AM

Throughout the weekend, crews will monitor fire activity and repair firelines on the Ranch Fire. There are 36 miles of fireline still to repair. Fire suppression repair work consists of cutting hazard trees to ensure firefighters are working in safe areas, reducing dirt berms, spreading cut vegetation and building water bars to minimize soil erosion.

Fire Closure Area: The Ranch Fire area is closed as described in Forest Order 08-18-15. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety, and for the firefighters who are engaged in repair efforts within the Ranch Fire closure area. The closure area applies to all public use, including hunting, the use of firearms and off-highway vehicles. The northern half of the forest is open for outdoor activities.

The B-Zone deer hunting season opened Saturday, Sept. 15 and will continue until Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Forest visitors need to exercise extreme caution and be alert to heavy equipment and firefighting vehicles utilizing roads in areas around the fire closure. Visitors can contact the ranger station nearest their destination for current information. For a high-resolution closure map, please use the following link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6073/0/

The Mendocino Complex: Management of the Mendocino Complex will transition from Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 to NorCal Incident Management Team 1 on Monday. The Ranch Fire is 98 percent contained. The remaining two percent is located in extremely steep, rocky terrain and is far too dangerous for firefighters to construct direct fireline. The section will likely remain that way until a season ending weather event occurs. A season ending weather event typically includes persistent precipitation across a two or three-day period, with no hot and dry weather conditions in the long-term weather forecast. The River Fire is 100 percent contained.

September 12, 2018 at 7:56 AM

Next steps on the Mendocino Complex

The Ranch and River fires started in late July and combined they burned 459,123 acres across federal, state, tribal and private lands. The Ranch Fire is 98 percent contained at 410,203 acres and the River Fire is fully contained at 48,920 acres. The Ranch Fire is the largest wildland fire in California history and it’s not out yet. After the fire is fully contained, there will be a lot of repair and restoration work to accomplish in the years ahead. The priorities for the incident remain firefighter and public safety. Fire crews assigned to the incident continue to repair firelines constructed during suppression operations. Suppression repair work has been completed on 70 percent of the 672 miles of fireline that were constructed. Fire suppression repair work consists of cutting hazard trees to ensure firefighters are working in safe areas, removing damaged trees that were bulldozed during fireline construction, reducing dirt berms, spreading cut vegetation, building water bars to minimize soil erosion and installing signs to protect natural resources and control traffic. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team completed its assessment of the fire area with the exception of the Snow Mountain Wilderness which still has active fire. The BAER report provided information about the potential for future flooding, erosion and debris flows and made recommendations for emergency stabilization activities that need to occur in the first year after the fire. The report stated that the fire burned through the entire off highway vehicle trail system, damaged trail segments, burned or compromised culverts and bridges and impacted campgrounds, day use areas, trailheads, and signage. Also, the BAER team advised forest officials that future washouts from storm events pose general and widespread threats to safety for visitors and Forest Service employees.

The fire area remains closed under Forest Order No. 08-18-15. The forest is working to open areas as quickly as possible, but it’s going to take time. Some of the hazards in and around the fire area include dead standing trees or snags, burned bridges, barriers and culverts, exposed rebar stakes, rolling logs and rocks, and burned-out stump holes. Next, the BAER focus will be on reducing hazard trees along roads, in campsites and parking areas. This work has to be done before areas can be safely reopened to the public. An assessment of the fire area is planned first in order to identify priorities based on public safety. Initially, hazard tree removal work will be done in areas leading to private property, communication sites, infrastructure and developed recreation sites. Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson says, “We understand everyone’s desire to return to the forest. We all want to visit our favorite places and see how they fared through the fire. People have also expressed interest in volunteering for cleanup and restoration projects. We are doing everything possible to reasonably reduce risks to the public and reopen areas. We are exploring opportunities for volunteers to help us. Thank you again for your patience and support during this long recovery process.”

September 10, 2018 at 9:44 AM

Firefighters on the Ranch Fire are working to contain the last section of the fire,patrolling firelines and doing suppression repair. There are 672 miles of fireline that required suppression repair work.

To date, crews have completed suppression repair work on 69 percent of the fireline. Fire suppression repair work consists of cutting hazard trees to ensure firefighters are working in safe areas, reducing dirt berms, spreading cut vegetation and building water bars to minimize soil erosion.

Additional suppression repair needs are being discovered as crews continue to work around the perimeter of the fire.

Ukiah Fire Camp Move: Today both fire camps (Ukiah, and Stonyford) are being condensed into one Incident Command Post (ICP) at Stonyford, where the bulk of the suppression repair work remains.

Relocating a fire camp involves numerous moving parts: all kinds of vehicles, crew buggies, tractor trailers containing shower and food preparation units, the wiring to connect each trailer with telephones, electricity, internet, a water source, place to camp and park trailers.

The person responsible for making this move seamless is a qualified Logistics Chief. The logistics section can organize a small town, even if it’s temporary fire camp for 3,000 people and 300 vehicles.

September 9, 2018 at 9:17 AM

Firefighters on the Ranch Fire are working to contain the last section of the fire,patrolling firelines and doing suppression repair. There are 672 miles of fireline that required suppression repair work. To date, crews have completed suppression repair work on 443 miles or 66 percent of the fireline. Fire suppression repair work consists of cutting hazard trees to ensure firefighters are working in safe areas, reducing dirt berms, spreading cut vegetation and building water bars to minimize soil erosion.

The Ranch Fire area is closed as described in Forest Order 08-18-15. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety, and for the firefighters who are engaged in fire suppression and repair efforts within the Ranch Fire closure area. The closure area applies to all public use, including hunting, the use of firearms and off-highway vehicles. US Forest Service Law Enforcement is strictly enforcing the forest order.

The northern half of the forest is open for outdoor activities. Forest visitors can contact the ranger station nearest their destination for current information.

The Mendocino Complex: The Mendocino Complex is being managed by Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3. The Ranch Fire is 98 percent contained and the River Fire is 100 percent contained.

Smoke: Westerly winds will transport haze from the Mendocino Complex to the east. Light to moderate impacts are expected near and to the west of the Complex. To the east and into the Sacramento Valley, smoke drifting in from other fires may degrade air quality.

September 7, 2018 at 9:31 AM

The Ranch Fire remains at 410,203 acres and 98 percent contained. The anticipated date for full containment is September 9, 2018. The last section of uncontained fireline is west of Stonyford near Bonnie View and Happy Camp. Firefighters continue to monitor interior burning west of Stonyford and patrol firelines in this area.

Suppression repair work has been completed on 390 miles of 672 miles identified. Suppression repair is complete on the River Fire.

September 6, 2018 at 2:40 PM

The Mendocino Complex is being managed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 under Incident Commander Mike Wakoski. Around 700 personnel remain assigned to the incident.

The Mendocino Complex: The Ranch Fire remains at 410,203 acres and 98 percent contained. The anticipated date for full containment is September 9, 2018. The last section of uncontained fireline is west of Stonyford near Bonnie View and Happy Camp. Firefighters continue to monitor interior burning west of Stonyford and patrol firelines in this area. Suppression repair work consists of removing dirt berms,spreading cut vegetation and building water bars to reduce soil erosion.

Suppression repair is complete on the River Fire.

Ranch Fire closure area: The area described in Forest Order 08-18-15 within the Ranch Fire is closed to all public use. The public can view the forest order and fire closure area maps on the Mendocino National Forest website. Owners or lessees of private land in the closure area, to the extent necessary to access their land, are exempt from the forest order. The northern half of the forest remains open for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, fishing and birdwatching. Forest visitors can contact the ranger station nearest their destination for current information.

September 3, 2018 at 9:11 AM

The Mendocino Complex is being managed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service and California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 under Incident Commander Mark von Tillow. Management of the Mendocino Complex will transfer to Southern California Team 3 under Incident Commander Mike Wakoski at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018.

The Mendocino Complex: The Ranch Fire remains 97 percent contained. The last section of uncontained fireline is west of Stonyford near Bonnie View and Happy Camp. On Monday, firefighters will monitor interior burning and patrol fire lines in this area. Around 670 miles of fireline have been identified for suppression repair, though this number is expected to increase as more repair needs are reported. Hand crews, dozers and excavators are used to repair firelines by pulling dirt berms, spreading cut vegetation and building water bars to reduce soil erosion. Suppression repair is complete on the River Fire.

Ranch Fire closure area: Forest Order 08-18-15 reduces the area previously closed to the public generally northeast and north of the Ranch Fire perimeter. The public should view the new forest order and attached maps available on the Mendocino National Forest website. All roads and areas described within the order remain closed to the public. Owners or lessees of private land in the closure area, to the extent necessary to access their land, are exempt from the forest order.

Smoke: Smoke and haze will persist through the holiday weekend. Although smoke from the Mendocino Complex has decreased, it is mixing with that from other fires in the region. Communities directly down drainage from the Ranch Fire such as Stonyford and Elk Creek will have heavy smoke impacts. Moderate air quality is expected with the potential for heavier smoke midday in areas surrounding the Ranch Fire and the Sacramento Valley.
https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/MendocinoNationalForest-SacramentoValleyArea

September 1, 2018 at 9:44 AM

No forward fire progression is expected in any of the divisions.

The spotting potential lessens as islands continue to burn out allowing more depth along containment lines.

The marine layer and thermal trough are retreating westward over the fire area today with near normal temperatures and RHs today. The thermal trough will slide to the Pacific coast as weak high pressure moves to the east with a warming and drying trend beginning Saturday and continuing through the holiday weekend.

August 30, 2018 at 8:54 AM

Ranch Fire: Two areas of the fire remain high priorities for suppression operations as firefighters work toward full containment of the Mendocino Complex. The Ranch fire is estimated at 410,182 acres and 93 percent contained. On Thursday firefighters will monitor the fire and extinguish hot spots along firelines near Little Round Mountain in the north and around Fouts Springs west of Stonyford.

As suppression operations diminish, the critical work of suppression repair to firelines constructed over the past month increases. An estimated 335 miles of dozer and hand lines and 124 miles of roads make up the 460 miles of completed fireline identified as needing repair. An additional 223 miles of completed line need to be inspected to identify repair needs. Dozers, excavators, and hand crews are being utilized to do this important work to reduce soil erosion. Felling teams are removing hazardous trees to make conditions safer for crews mopping up the burn area and to prevent burning trees from falling across the fireline.

River Fire: The River fire remains at 48,920 acres and is 100 percent contained. The Mendocino Unit of Cal Fire is now managing the River Fire.

August 29, 2018 at 10:31 AM

The Mendocino Complex is being managed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service and California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 under Incident Commander Mark von Tillow.

The Mendocino National Forest thanks Incident Commander Sean Kavanaugh and CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 for their month long service to the forest and the people of Mendocino, Lake, Colusa and Glenn counties.

Ranch Fire: Several interior islands of vegetation burned off Tuesday producing columns of smoke visible over a large area. Interior burning is expected to continue. Containment increased to 93 percent and the size remained at 410,182 acres.

On Wednesday, while monitoring the interior fires, firefighters will be engaged in suppression repair efforts and mop up. Heavy equipment operators are constructing water bars and breaking down berms in an effort to prevent erosion. Felling teams are removing hazardous trees to make conditions safer for crews mopping up the burn area and to prevent burning trees from falling across the fireline.

Additionally, non-forest system roads that were opened for access and fireline will be closed and repaired. This work will continue throughout the week.

River Fire: The River fire remains at 48,920 acres and is 100 percent contained. The Mendocino Unit of Cal Fire is now managing the River Fire.

Smoke: Light southerly winds will drift smoke and haze from the Ranch fire to the north Wednesday. Local communities downwind, including Covelo and Laytonville, are expected to have an increase in smoke midday. Communities on the east side, such as Elk Creek and Stonyford, which are in heavy smoke this morning are expected to have cleaner air move in midday. Ukiah and areas to the south, such as those around Clear Lake, should have hazy skies and moderate to light smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are expected to be on an improving trend this week. https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/MendocinoNationalForest-SacramentoValleyArea

August 27, 2018 at 10:20 AM

Ranch Fire: 402,468 acres
Containment: 67%

River Fire: 48,920 acres
Containment: 100%

The Ranch Fire has increased acreage due to successful firing operations in the northeastern areas of the fire. Crews continue to reinforce containment lines and mop up throughout the north and northeastern portions of the fire area. Smoke is expected to be visible on the interior portions of the burned area as unburned pockets of fuel may burn with lower humidity and warmer conditions approaching. Firefighters continue with fire suppression repair efforts in the western and northwestern portions of the fire. The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

August 27, 2018 at 10:18 AM

Glenn County is lifting the Mandatory Evacuation Orders for all areas east of the Mendocino National Forest boundary that were in place as a result of the Mendocino Complex fires. This includes all areas from the National Forest boundary east to County Road 306, north to County Road 308 and south to the Glenn-Colusa county line. Residents in the area may return to their homes. Also the community of Elk Creek is no longer under an Advisory Evacuation Notice.

Mandatory Evacuation Order and the Forest Closure remain in place for the Mendocino National Forest in south-western Glenn County. The area includes from the National Forest boundary west to the Lake County line, south to the Colusa County line and north to Forest Road 20N07 also known as County Road 308. The roads remain closed from the Forest boundary heading west including Forest Road 20N07 Road at forest boundary, Forest Road 18N38 Road at the forest boundary, and Black Diamond Road at the Forest Boundary

August 26, 2018 at 9:55 AM

Ranch Fire: 392,767 acres
Containment: 67%

River Fire: 48,920 acres
Containment: 100%

Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Ranch Fire. Increased acreage is due to completed firing operations in the northeastern areas.

Firing operations are expected to continue on interior portions of the burned area focusing on reinforcing containment in the northeastern areas of the fire as weather conditions permit.

Crews continue to build and reinforce containment lines and mop up throughout the north and northeastern portions of the fire area.

Firefighters continue with fire suppression repair efforts in the northwestern portions of the fire.

The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

Planned Actions

East Zone:

Maintain and improve roads within Branch II to allow for safe and efficient movement of incident resources. Assess structure defense needs and provide for structure defense throughout the Complex. Prepare and defend around structures to limit the impacts of fire spread around the structures within the firelines.

Hold existing containment lines, monitor interior islands, patrol, mop in 300 feet from control lines.

Continue firing operations in Branches II as conditions allow. Hold existing containment lines, patrol and mop up provide for suppression repair.

Construct and improve indirect line from Brushy Ridge, continuing East/Southeast to tie in with line construction/improvement efforts in DIVs J and K.

Complete and improve control line around Bonnie View and prep for firing operations around Bonnie View and the 18N06 Road. Prep and improve the 18N06 Road from DP32 to St. Johns Peak for firing operations. Improve line from St. Johns Peak west to the M3 Road at DP25. Continue to improve and construct indirect control lines from DP-26 west to the Branch break at the 20N08 Road to limit fire spread south of Brushy Camp Ridge.

Construct and improve indirect control lines between DP25 and DP26.

Hold the 17N22 Road from Hornet Nest Ridge to DP32 as a control line. Improve the contingency line from Indian Springs Road to DIV J, and assist in firing operations.

Continue prep and defend around structures as necessary within Bonnie View, The Pocket and along the 18N02 Road to limit the impacts of fire spread around structures within control lines.

Prepare and improve line, ensuring control line is as direct as possible. Scout and identify contingency lines & gather intelligence.

Back-haul trash and unnecessary equipment

West Zone: Priority II

-Allow fire to back down Anderson Ridge into the Eel Creek drainage to increase perimeter depth.

-Hold existing containment lines, monitor interior islands, patrol, and initiate suppression repair in the northern portion of the Ranch Fire.

-Continue Suppression repair in West Zone in divisions C/D/E

-USDA Forest Service BAER Team personnel assessing needs in DIVS S, R, Q (Ranch Fire).

-Back-haul trash and unnecessary equipment.

August 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM

Ranch Fire: 377,257 acres
Containment: 67%

Weather conditions continue to be favorable on the Ranch Fire. Firefighters are making good progress on the northwestern portions and fire suppression repair efforts are beginning.

Crews continue to build and reinforce containment lines and mop up throughout the northern portions of the fire area. Firing operations are expected to continue today, focusing on the northeastern areas of the fire as weather conditions permit.

The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

On Friday, crews patrolled and mopped-up hot spots near containment lines in the Bloody Rock and Little Round Mountain areas.

On Saturday, isolated firing operations on the north may be used to remove heavy concentrations of fuel near containment lines.

Felling teams with chainsaws are cutting down hazardous trees to make conditions safer for crews working in the burned area.

Chipping crews are removing vegetation that was cut to widen containment lines. This work will continue through the weekend. Firefighters are also mopping-up hot spots in the Pine Mountain area.

Fire suppression repair teams are working in burned areas where it is safe to do so. They are using heavy equipment to restore bulldozer lines to as natural conditions as possible, covering them with vegetation and creating water bars — berms made to divert water to prevent erosion.

Suppression repair teams work closely with resource advisors to help protect sensitive areas. Fire engine crews are patrolling the Rice Fork Summer Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Firefighters are prepared to defend homes in Bonnie View/Happy Camp.

On the east, firing operations are progressing and will continue for the next several days as crews work to contain the fire. Helicopters using aerial ignition devices are helping to burn interior fuels that may pose a threat to containment lines. Increased smoke from this operation is likely to be visible east of the fire and along the I-5 Corridor.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

August 23, 2018 at 8:57 AM

Overnight firing operations occurred on the Ranch Fire. Firefighters continue to build and reinforce containment lines around the fire’s edge. The fire remains most active on the northeastern portions of the fire. Fire activity is expected to increase in the afternoon hours after smoke clears the area. The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

August 22, 2018 at 5:10 PM

Mandatory Evacuation Cancelled For Eel River Road Area

Cancellation of Mandatory Evacuation for the Eel River Road area in Mendocino County:Includes all areas: west of the Mendocino-Lake County line; south and east of Eel RiverRoad; and north of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road.

Advisory Evacuation Cancelled For Potter Valley Area

Cancellation of Advisory Evacuation for the Potter Valley area in Mendocino County:Includes all areas: north of Pine Ave, south of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road;west of the Mendocino National Forest Boundary; and east of eastside Potter ValleyCounty Road 301 from the Mendocino National Forest boundary remains closed.

August 22, 2018 at 2:12 PM

Mandatory Evacuation Orders remain in effect for the area of Glenn County south of County Road 308 to the Colusa County Line and west of County Road 306 to the Lake County line. The following roads have been reopened to allow access to critical transportation routes in this area:

County Road 306 is open to north and south bound traffic

All roads running west of County Road 306 to the Lake County line remain closed

County Road 308 is open to east and west bound traffic from County Road 306 to the Forest Boundary

County Road 308 remains closed at the Forest Boundary west to its termination

If you are a resident in the mandatory evacuation order area and need assistance with temporary shelter, please contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 530-934-6431. Please be prepared to provide proof of residency in the affected area for shelter assistance.

August 22, 2018 at 10:19 AM

California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the western zone of the Ranch Fire Wednesday at 7 a.m.CAL FIRE Team 2 will continue to manage the eastern zone of the Ranch Fire. The northern perimeter of the fire is divided between east and west zones at Happy Camp Ridge. The Incident Command Post(ICP) for the western zone is in Ukiah. A new ICP for the eastern zone is being set up at the fairgrounds in Orland. The base camp at Stonyford will continue to operate reducing travel times for crews working on the northern portion of the Ranch Fire.

Ranch Fire: There were favorable conditions to continue strategic firing operations along the northern containment lines Tuesday. The objective of firing is to reduce the chance of spot fires crossing the established line by removing vegetation between the main fire and the line. The fire grew approximately7,950 acres in the last twenty-four hours. The fire is now estimated at 361,562 acres and 67 percent contained.

Crews held the fire south of containment lines across the north end of the fire where hand firing was conducted along Brushy Camp Ridge from Sheetiron Mountain toward Little Round Mountain. Hand firing continued as conditions permitted throughout the day along the line from Cabbage Patch to Swan Valley just north of Pillsbury Lake. Engines patrolled and looked for hot spots in the Rice Fork Summer Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas.

Wednesday, crews will hold the northern lines already established and look for opportunities to extend the strategic firing operation if conditions remain favorable. Engines will patrol and are prepared to conduct structure protection in the Rice Fork Summer Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

Due to road damage, hazard trees, and active fire behavior, many areas of the forest, including recreation sites, are not accessible. The status of these areas will be reported as soon as information becomes available.

August 21, 2018 at 9:34 AM

Starting Wednesday, California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 will assume command of the western zone of the Ranch Fire. CAL FIRE Team 2 will continue to manage the eastern zone of the Ranch Fire.

Ranch Fire: The Ranch Fire was under an inversion most of Monday which limited fire growth.Early in the evening the inversion began to lift and the fire became more active. The fire grew approximately 6,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours. The fire is now estimated at 355,612 acres and 67 percent contained. The decrease in containment is due to the fire’s movement to the east across the dozer line Sunday afternoon. This illustrates the difficult challenge that firefighters face when the fire aligns with fuels, topography and weather and spreads at extreme rates.

On Monday, crews improved the lines along Brushy Camp and Noel Ridges and from Lake Pillsbury to Little Round Mountain. Hand firing was conducted in the early evening and throughout the night along the line from Cabbage Patch to Swan Valley just north of Pillsbury Lake. Handfiring was also conducted along approximately nine miles of line along Brushy Camp Ridge from Sheetiron Mountain toward Little Round Mountain to strengthen the northern fireline. Engines patrolled and looked for hot spots in the Rice Fork Summer Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. An additional dozer line was added in the Bonnie View/Happy Camp area. Tuesday, crews will hold the lines that were conducted last night and look for opportunities to extend the strategic firing operation if conditions are favorable. Engines will patrol and look for hotspots in the Rice Fork Summer Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Crews will continue preparing to defend the homes in BonnieView/Happy Camp.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

August 21, 2018 at 8:47 AM

Ranch Fire: 355,612 acres
Containment: 67%

River Fire: 48,920 acres
Containment: 100%

Overnight, the Ranch Fire continued to burn through portions of grass, timber and brush in the steep terrain in northern portions of the fire area. Fire activity is expected to increase in the later part of the afternoon as smoke clears. Over 9 miles of firing occurred last night on the northern portion of the Ranch Fire. Firing operations will continue as weather conditions permit. The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

Mandatory Evacuations

Lake County: East of the Lake-Mendocino County Line, south of the Lake-Mendocino-Glenn County Line, west of the Lake-Colusa County Line, north of the fire perimeter and the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

Mendocino County: South and East of Eel River Road, west of the Mendocino-Lake county line. North of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road.

Colusa County: Areas south of the Colusa-Glenn County line, east of the Colusa-Lake County line, north of Goat Mountain Road extending to Sullivan Ridge and west of the Mendocino National Forest boundary including Fouts Springs Road (Forest Road M10).

Glenn County: North of the Glenn-Colusa County line, east of the Glenn-Lake County line, south of County Road 308 and Forest Route 24N02, and west of County Road 306.

Evacuation Advisory/Warning

Mendocino County: North of Pine Ave, South of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road, west of the Mendocino National Forest boundary, and east of eastside Potter Valley/Eel River Roads.

The Bureau of Land Management closure of the Cow Mountain Recreation Area remains in effect.

Colusa County: All areas east of the Mendocino National Forest boundary and west of the East Park Reservoir between the Glenn County line and Lodoga. Areas south of Goat Mountain Road extending to Sullivan Ridge east of the Colusa-Lake County line and west of the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

Road Closures

Mendocino County: Eastbound Eel River Road at County Road M6 (20N01)
16000 Mid Mountain Road closed to northbound traffic

Lake County: Northbound Elk Mountain at Middle Creek Campground
Northbound Bartlett Springs Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary

Glenn County: Westbound County Road 308 and Southbound County Road 306 at the 308/306 junction
Lodoga-Stonyford Road north at the Glenn-Colusa county line
All roadways west of County Road 306, south of County Road 308, and north of the Glenn-Colusa county line

Colusa County: Westbound Brim Road at the Mendocino National Forest Boundary
Westbound Fouts Springs Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary
Westbound Goat Mountain Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary

August 20, 2018 at 7:06 PM

Ranch Fire: 351,557 acres
Containment: 74%

River Fire: 48,920 acres
Containment: 100%

The Ranch Fire continues to burn in steep rugged terrain in the north and northeastern areas of the fire. Fire crews continue to construct containment lines with hand crews and dozers in the northern areas of the fire. Fire activity is expected to decrease in the evenings due to increasing humidity. Some firing operations occurred today allowing further containment progress. Firing operations will continue through this evening as weather conditions allow. The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

August 20, 2018 at 9:21 AM

Evacuation notice has been upgraded to Mandatory Evacuation Order for all areas west of County Road 306 and south of County Road 308 in Glenn County. The area included in this order is west of County Road 306, including the Mendocino National Forest, west to the Lake County line, south to the Colusa County line and north to Forest Road 20N07 also known as County Road 308. Residents in this area have been notified by CodeRED and deputies to evacuate due to threat from Mendocino Complex Fire. Visitors, hunters, and campers shall not access the affected area of the Mendocino National Forest until this Order has been lifted and the area is deemed safe.

Areas just north of County Road 308, including the town of Elk Creek, remain in Advisory Evacuation Notice. Residents in this area should be prepared to evacuate should the threat from wildfire increase and the notice be upgraded.

If you are a resident in the mandatory evacuation order area and need assistance with temporary shelter, please contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 530-934-6431. Please be prepared to provide proof of residency in the affected area for shelter assistance.

August 20, 2018 at 8:00 AM

Overnight the Ranch Fire continued to burn actively with increased fire behavior in the north and northeastern portions of the fire area. Evacuation orders were issued for portions of Glenn County last night due to increased fire activity. As westerly winds increase in the day, the fire will increase rate of spread to the east as it enters east/west aligned drainages. The warming and drying trend will continue with near single digit afternoon relative humidity. Firing operations are scheduled for today pending weather conditions. The southern portion of the fire remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

August 19, 2018 at 10:21 AM

The Mendocino Complex (comprised of the Ranch and River fires) is being managed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and CAL FIRE under unified command. Fire officials held a community meeting in Stonyford Saturday that was well attended.

Ranch Fire: The Ranch Fire was under an inversion for most of Saturday. Early in the evening the inversion began to lift, the fire became more active and burned actively through the night. The fire grew approximately 4,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours. Most of the fire’s growth was within the Snow Mountain Wilderness. The fire is now estimated at 335,647 acres and 76 percent contained.

On Saturday, construction of the dozer line from Cabbage Patch toward Little Round Mountain was completed. Crews improved the lines along Brushy Camp and Noel Ridges and from Lake Pillsbury to Cabbage Patch. Construction of a dozer line from Davis Flat to the Cold Creek Trailhead was completed. Crews patrolled and looked for hot spots in the Rice Fork Summer Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. Crews continued preparing to defend the homes in Bonnie View/Happy Camp.

Sunday, construction of the dozer line from Cold Creek Trailhead to Brushy Camp Ridge will continue. Crews will improve the line along Brushy Camp and Noel Ridges and the line from Davis Flat to Cold Creek Trailhead. Crews will patrol and look for hot spots in the Rice Fork Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Crews will continue preparing to defend the homes in Bonnie View/Happy Camp.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

There are areas that the fire has burned through that are extremely important to many people. Letts Lake is a great example of one of these areas. When it is safe to do so, these areas will be-assessed and the information made available to the public.

The northern half of the Mendocino National Forest remains open. The forest areas around Plaskett Meadows and Hammerhorn Lake are open for all normal recreation activities. The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness is also available for recreation. Forest Highway 7 remains open.Hunters are reminded that the fire area is closed to hunting. For a specific closure map, please seethe forest’s web page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd591718.pdf

River Fire: The River Fire is 48,920 acres and 100 percent contained.

Fire Area Weather: The forecast shows temperatures in the low-100s with light winds. Conditions could change as early as Monday morning with cooler air coming in from the coast.

Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue until early evening in communities near the Ranch Fire, including Ukiah, Willits, Covelo and Potter Valley as well as the communities surrounding Clear Lake. Light late afternoon winds will move the smoke away from these communities and toward areas east of the fire like Stonyford and Willows.

Below is the link to the smoke forecast for today:
https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/MendocinoNationalForest-SacramentoValleyArea

August 19, 2018 at 10:11 AM

Ranch Fire: 335,647 acres
Containment: 76%

River Fire: 48,920 acres
Containment: 100%

Overnight on the Ranch Fire, firefighters continued preparing for firing operations, building containment lines and mop up. Firing operations will continue today as weather conditions allow. Today, smoky conditions and light winds are expected to continue.

Firefighters have constructed 527 miles of containment line on the Ranch Fire. The southern portion of the fire has had no recent notable fire activity. The are remains in patrol status as crews continue with suppression repair efforts and mop up.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

CURRENT SITUATION 

Mandatory Evacuations 

Lake County: East of the Lake-Mendocino County Line, south of the Lake-Mendocino-Glenn County Line, west of the Lake-Colusa County Line, north of the fire perimeter and the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

Mendocino County: South and East of Eel River Road, west of the Mendocino-Lake county line. North of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road.

Colusa County: Areas south of the Colusa-Glenn County line, east of the Colusa-Lake County line, north of Goat Mountain Road extending to Sullivan Ridge and west of the Mendocino National Forest boundary including Fouts Springs Road (Forest Road M10).

Glenn County: Mendocino National Forest boundary west to the Lake County line, south to the Colusa County line and north to Forest Road 20N07 also known as County Road 308.

Evacuation Advisory/Warning 

Mendocino County: North of Pine Ave, South of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road, west of the Mendocino National Forest boundary, and east of eastside Potter Valley/Eel River Roads.

The Bureau of Land Management closure of the Cow Mountain Recreation Area remains in effect.

Colusa County: All areas east of the Mendocino National Forest boundardy and west of the East Park Reservoir between the Glenn County line and Lodoga. Areas south of Goat Mountain Road extending to Sullivan Ridge east of the Colusa-Lake County line and Weset of the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

Glenn County: North of the Glenn County/Colusa County Line, west of County Road 306, south of County Road 308, east of the Mendocino National Forest Boundary.

ROAD CLOSURES

Mendocino County: Eastbound Eel River Road at County Road M6 (20N01)
16000 Mid Mountain Road closed to northbound traffic

Lake County: Northbound Elk Mountain at Middle Creek Campground
Northbound Bartlett Springs Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary

Glenn County: Forest Road 20N07 Road at Forest boundary
Forest Road 18N38 Road at the Forest boundary
Black Diamond Road at the Forest boundary

Colusa County: Westbound Brim Road at the Mendocino National Forest Boundary
Westbound Fouts Springs Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary
Westbound Goat Mountain Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary

ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTERS
Redwood Riders Arena, 8300 East Road. Redwood Valley is accepting horses.
Animal Care, 298 Plant Road, Ukiah, is accepting small animals.

August 18, 2018 at 9:08 AM

Fire officials are planning to hold a community meeting in Stonyford today to give an update on the Ranch Fire. It will be held in the Stonyford Grange Hall located at 101 Market Street, Stonyford. The meeting will begin at 10 am.

Ranch Fire: The Ranch Fire was under an inversion for most of Friday. Early in the evening the inversion began to lift and the fire became more active. The fire grew approximately 2,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours. Most of the fire’s growth was within the Snow Mountain Wilderness. The fire is now estimated at 331,770 acres and 76 percent contained.

On Friday, construction of the dozer line from Cabbage Patch toward Little Round Mountain continued. Crews improved the lines along Brushy Camp and Noel ridges and from Lake Pillsbury to Cabbage Patch. Construction of a dozer line from Davis Flat toward Sheetiron Mountain continued. Crews patrolled and looked for hot spots in the Rice Fork Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas.

Saturday, construction of the dozer line from Cabbage Patch toward Little Round Mountain will continue. Crews will improve the line along Brushy Camp and Noel ridges. Construction of a dozer line from Davis Flat toward Sheetiron Mountain will continue. Crews will patrol and look for hot spots in the Rice Fork Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Crews will continue preparing to defend the homes in Bonnie View/Happy Camp.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

There are areas that the fire has burned through that are extremely important to many people. Letts Lake is a great example of one of these areas. When it is safe to do so, these areas will be assessed and the information made available to the public.

Fire Area Weather: The forecast shows temperatures in the high-90s with light winds. Conditions will remain hot and dry through the weekend.

Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue until early evening in communities near the Ranch Fire, including Ukiah, Willits, Covelo and Potter Valley as well as the communities surrounding Clear Lake. Light late afternoon winds will move the smoke away from these communities and toward areas east of the fire like Stonyford and Willows.

August 17, 2018 at 9:03 AM

Ranch Fire: 329,800 acres
Containment: 76%

River Fire: 48,920 acres
Containment: 100%

Overnight, firefighters were able to reinforce containment lines, tying together pre-existing containment barriers, especially north of the Snow Mountain Wilderness. Crews continued structure defense in the communities threatened by the Ranch Fire.

Today with increasing temperatures and relative humidity dropping, fire activity is expected to increase this afternoon. Firing operations are expected to occur as weather conditions permit. The south side of the fire has had no significant events and suppression repair crews are continuing with work in those areas. The southern area remains in patrol status.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

CURRENT SITUATION 

Mandatory Evacuations 

Lake County: East of the Lake-Mendocino County Line, south of the Lake-Mendocino-Glenn County Line, west of the Lake-Colusa County Line, north of the fire perimeter and the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

Mendocino County: South of Eel River, west of the Mendocino-Lake County line, North of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road.

Colusa County: Areas west of Lodoga-Stonyford Road including Fouts Springs Road (Forest Road M10), Goat Mountain Road, Cooks Spring Road, Walker Ridge Road and Brim Road.

Glenn County: Mendocino National Forest boundary west to the Lake County line, south to the Colusa County line and north to Forest Road 20N07 also known as County Road 308.

Evacuation Advisory/Warning 

Mendocino County: North of Pine Ave, South of the 16000 block of Mid Mountain Road, west of the Mendocino National Forest boundary, and east of eastside Potter Valley/Eel River Roads.

The Bureau of Land Management closure of the Cow Mountain Recreation Area remains in effect.

Colusa County: All areas to the east of Stonyford-Lodoga Road from the Glenn County line to Lodoga, including the Century Ranch and Lakeview Loop subdivisions.

Glenn County: North of the Glenn County/Colusa County Line, west of County Road 306, south of County Road 308, east of the Mendocino National Forest Boundary.

ROAD CLOSURES

Mendocino County: Eastbound Eel River Road at County Road M6 (20N01)
16000 Mid Mountain Road closed to northbound traffic

Lake County: Northbound Elk Mountain at Middle Creek Campground
Northbound Bartlett Springs Road at the Mendocino National Forest boundary

Glenn County: Forest Road 20N07 Road at Forest boundary
Forest Road 18N38 Road at the Forest boundary
Black Diamond Road at the Forest boundary

Colusa County: Westbound Brim Road at Bear Valley to the county line
Westbound Cook Springs Road at Leesville Lodoga Road
Westbound Fouts Springs Road at the Forest boundary
Westbound Goat Mountain Road from Lodoga-Stonyford Road to the end
Westbound Walker Ridge Road west of Bear Valley Road

ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTERS
Redwood Riders Arena, 8300 East Road. Redwood Valley is accepting horses.
Animal Care, 298 Plant Road, Ukiah, is accepting small animals.

August 16, 2018 at 8:25 AM

Evacuation Order Reduced to Evacuation Advisory for Colusa County:The evacuation order for the town of Stonyford, including all areas to the east of Stonyford-Lagoda Road from the Glenn County line to Lagoda, including the Century Ranch and Lakeview Loop subdivisions, have been reduced to an Evacuation Advisory.

Roads west of Lagoda Stonyford Road remain closed including Forest Road M10 and 18, Goat Mountain Road and Fouts Springs Road.

The Ranch Fire continued to burn actively overnight with creeping and backing behavior in steep terrain. The fire continues to remain active in the Mendocino National Forest as well as threaten communities that reside north of the fire perimeter. Crews continued to construct control lines, tying together preexisting containment barriers, especially north of the Snow Mountain Wilderness. Crews continued structure preparation and defense in the communities threatened by the Ranch Fire. Today’s operations will focus on the northwest and northeast edges of the Ranch Fire, while continuing to prepare for controlled firing operations to improve containment lines as conditions allow. The south side of the fire has had no significant events and suppression repair crews are continuing with work in those areas. The southern area remains in patrol status.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

August 14, 2018 at 8:09 PM

Ranch Fire: 305,990 acres – 64% contained
River Fire: 48,920 acres and 100% contained.

Throughout the day the Ranch Fire progressed northward, heading farther into the Mendocino National Forest. Today, fire crews patrolled communities in the northern portion of the Ranch Fire, scouting fire lines and gathering intelligence to prep and assess plans for continued structure defense. On the northwest and northeast edges, fire crews spent the day constructing control lines with the intention to introduce firing operations in the coming days. Crews will continue to construct and improve lines, utilizing advantageous topography and existing control lines to create barriers. The south side of the fire has had no significant events and remains in suppression repair and patrol status.

The River Fire had no movement. Suppression repair along with patrol will continue on the River Fire.

Forest officials have issued a new order closing a large area of the Mendocino National Forest, including the entire Upper Lake Ranger District and part of the Grindstone Ranger District, due to activity from the Ranch Fire. The purpose of the closure is to provide safety for the public and for the firefighters.

Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson reminds the public, “The closure of the fire area is necessary to help ensure that no one is injured within or near the fire area. We still have a lot of work to do on the Ranch Fire and we need your cooperation to keep the area clear so that our firefighters can perform their job safely.”

The boundary of the Ranch Fire Closure Area begins at the intersection of County Road No. 301 and the Mendocino National Forest Boundary (Forest Boundary), then continues west and north along the Forest Boundary to where it intersects the Covelo Ranger District boundary on Long Doe Ridge, then continues east along south side of the Covelo Ranger District boundary to its intersection with Forest Road No. M1, then continues south along the west side of Forest Road No. M1 to its intersection with Forest Road No. M61, then continues east along the south side of Forest Road No. M61 to its intersection with Forest Road No. M6, then continues east along the south side of Forest Road No. M6 to its intersection with Forest Road No. M3, then continues south along the west side of Forest Road No. M3 to its intersection with Glenn County Road No. 308, then east along the south side of Glenn County Road No. 308 to its intersection with the Forest Boundary, then south, west, and north along the entirety of the remaining Forest Boundary back to its starting point, as shown in Exhibits A and B.

The area is closed due to fire suppression and rehabilitation activities that create a hazard to the public, including the use of heavy equipment, the falling of hazard trees weakened by the fire and the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of fuels breaks. The closure will remain in place until hazards to the public are diminished. Forest Order No. 08-18-14 supersedes Order No. 08-18-13 dated Aug. 3, 2018. The order and exhibits are posted here: https://tinyurl.com/ybtd8y2b.

August 14, 2018 at 1:19 PM

Evacuation notice has been upgraded to Mandatory Evacuation Order for the Pleasant Valley area of the Mendocino National Forest land located in the southwestern Glenn County. The area included in this order is the Mendocino National Forest boundary west to the Lake County line, south to the Colusa County line and north to Forest Road 20N07 also known as County Road 308. Residents in this area should evacuate due to threat from Mendocino Complex Fire. Visitors, hunters, and campers should not access the affected area of the Mendocino National Forest until this Order has been lifted and the area is deemed safe.

The following roads are closed as a result of this order:
Forest Road 20N07 Road at forest boundary
Forest Road 18N38 Road at the forest boundary
Black Diamond Road at the Forest Boundary

Areas east of the Mendocino National Forest boundary to County Road 306 and north to County Road 308, including the town of Elk Creek, remain in Advisory Evacuation Notice. Residents in this area should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice should the threat from wildfire increase and the notice be upgraded.

If you are a resident in the mandatory evacuation order area and need assistance with temporary shelter, please contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 530-934-6431. Please be prepared to provide proof of residency in the affected area for shelter assistance.

August 14, 2018 at 10:46 AM

The Ranch Fire grew approximately 10,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours and is currently 305,490 acres and 68 percent contained. The Ranch Fire is burning in the Snow Mountain Wilderness and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

There are over 3,000 firefighters assigned to the Mendocino Complex representing about a dozen different agencies and departments. This includes 41 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand and 200 active duty military firefighters from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion. The interagency cooperation on this incident has contributed greatly to the efforts on the fires.

Ranch Fire: On Monday, firefighters improved the dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. The operation went well and the line is holding.Good progress was made constructing dozer line along Bushy Camp and Noel Ridges. This has become the main fireline on the north end of the fire. A new dozer line was started from Lake Pillsbury along Cabbage Patch Ridge toward Little Round Mountain. Crews patrolled and extinguished hotspots in the Rice Fork Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Air tankers and helicopters were used to support firefighters on the ground.

Tuesday, firefighters will hold and improve the dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. Construction of the dozer lines along Cabbage Patch,Bushy Camp and Noel Ridges will continue. Crews will patrol and look for hot spots in the Rice Fork Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order.Work will continue on the construction of a contingency line west of Stonyford to Black Diamond Ridge.

Firefighters are improving the roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project to keep the fire east of Potter Valley. Crews will improve the contingency dozer line around Potter Valley.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

There are many areas that the fire has burned through that are extremely important to many people. Letts Lake is a great example of one of these areas. When it is safe to do so, these areas will be assessed and the information made available to the public.

Hunters are reminded that the entire fire area is closed to hunting. This is to provide for firefighter and hunter safety. For a specific map, please see the Mendocino National Forest web page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices

River Fire: The River Fire is 48,920 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire Suppression Repair is continuing. Fire Suppression Repair is the repair of damage caused directly from fighting the fire but not by the fire.

Fire Area Weather: The weather is forecast to be similar to yesterday. Hot and dry conditions continue to hamper suppression efforts.

Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue to be heavy in communities near the Ranch Fire, including Clearlake, Stonyford, Potter Valley as well as the surrounding communities of Ukiah, Willits and Willows. Clearlake, Ukiah and other communities southwest of the fire should have some clearing by the afternoon. Afternoon winds will transport smoke into the northern Sacramento Valley.Below is the link to the smoke forecast for today: https://tools.airfire.org/outlooks/MendocinoNationalForest-SacramentoValleyArea

August 13, 2018 at 8:14 AM

The Ranch Fire grew approximately 13,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours and is currently 295,970 acres and 58 percent contained. The Ranch Fire is burning in the Snow Mountain Wilderness and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

There are over 3,000 firefighters assigned to the Mendocino Complex. This includes 41 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand and 200 active duty military firefighters from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion. The cooperation from CAL FIRE, the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Military has contributed greatly to the efforts on the fires.

Ranch Fire: On Sunday, the fire crossed the dozer line along McLeod Ridge and moved toward Rice Fork Summer Homes and Lake Pillsbury. This area remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Firefighters worked through the night and held the fire along the Eel River. Firefighters burned off the dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. The operation went well and the line is holding. Good progress was made constructing dozer line along Bushy Camp and Noel Ridges. Air tankers and helicopters were used to support firefighters on the ground.

Monday, fire crews will be patrolling and providing structure defense in the Rice Fork Homes and Pillsbury Lake areas and working to hold the fire at the Eel River.

Firefighters will hold and patrol the dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. This is to secure the fire’s northeast corner to keep the fire west of Stonyford and Century Ranch. Construction of a contingency dozer line along Noel Springs Ridge and Bushy Camp Ridge will continue. Work will continue on the construction of a contingency line west of Stonyford to Black Diamond Ridge.

Firefighters are improving the roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project to keep the fire east of Potter Valley. Crews will improve the contingency dozer line around Potter Valley.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

There are many areas that the fire has burned through that are extremely important to many people. Letts Lake is a great example of one of these areas. When it is safe to do so, these areas will be assessed and the information made available to the public.

Hunters are reminded that the entire fire area is closed to hunting. This is to provide for firefighter and hunter safety. For a specific map, please see the Mendocino National Forest web page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices

Resource Advisors: These are individuals on the fire who provide professional knowledge and expertise toward the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources on wildland fires. There are several of them on the Ranch Fire. They are working closely with firefighters to minimize the amount of damage caused to the natural and cultural resources by the firefighting efforts. The Resource Advisors are also making sure the damage is repaired when it does occur. This is especially important on the dozer lines.

River Fire: The River Fire has not grown in several days and is currently 48,920 acres and 93 percent contained. Fire Suppression Repair is continuing. Fire Suppression Repair is the repair of damage caused directly from fighting the fire but not by the fire.

Fire Area Weather: The weather is predicted to be similar to yesterday. There was poor recovery overnight and today is expected to be very dry.

Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue to be heavy in communities near the Ranch Fire, including Clearlake, Stonyford, Potter Valley as well as the surrounding communities of Ukiah, Willits and Willows. Moderate impacts are expected west of the fires in Ukiah, Hopland and Willits. The north and central Sacramento Valley will have heavy to moderate smoke impacts from the Ranch Fire as well as other regional fires.

Below is the link to the smoke forecast for today:
https://tools.airfire.org/outlooks/MendocinoNationalForest-SacramentoValleyArea

August 12, 2018 at 9:08 AM

The Ranch Fire is now the largest recorded fire in California’s history. The previous record was held by the 2017 Thomas Fire at 281,893 acres. The Ranch Fire grew approximately 6,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours and is currently 282,479 acres and 62 percent contained. The Ranch Fire is burning in the Snow Mountain Wilderness and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Ranch Fire: On Saturday, firefighters were able to hold and improve the dozer line along McLeod Ridge from Lake Pillsbury towards the fire’s edge. Dozer operators continued constructing dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. Crews improved the fireline in the steep canyons near Clover Valley in the southern portion of the fire. Good progress was made constructing contingency dozer lines in the Potter Valley area and along Bushy Camp and Noel Ridges. Air tankers and helicopters were used to support firefighters on the ground.

Sunday, dozer operators will continue constructing dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. This is to secure the fire’s northeast corner to keep the fire west of Stonyford and Century Ranch. Construction of a contingency dozer line along Noel Springs Ridge and Bushy Camp Ridge as an extra precaution will continue.

Firefighters will work around structures in the Lake Pillsbury area, clearing and improving lines around the residences. Reinforcing the dozer line running from the Eel River northeast to south of the community will continue. Crews will improve and hold the dozer line along McLeod Ridge today. Fire managers are looking for opportunities to build fireline within the wilderness.

Crews will patrol the fireline in the steep canyons near Clover Valley in the southern portion of the fire. Engines will mop-up and patrol the areas around Long Valley and Spring Valley.

Firefighters are improving the roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project. This will allow firefighters to contain the fire spread to the north towards Lake Pillsbury and west towards Potter Valley. Crews will improve the contingency dozer line around Potter Valley.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

River Fire: Crews will continue to patrol the fire’s edge looking for hot spots. They are also implementing suppression repair. The River Fire has not grown in several days and is currently 48,920 acres and 93 percent contained.

There are over 3,400 firefighters assigned to the Mendocino Complex. This includes 41 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand. An additional 200 active duty military firefighters from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion arrived Friday and are going through basic firefighting field training Saturday and Sunday.

“I am glad to see all of the cooperation from CAL FIRE, the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the US Military and all of the other cooperators,” stated Incident Commander Jerry McGowan. He went on to say, “We will all continue to work together to stop this fire, it is our main objective. It has already burned enough land.”

Fire Area Weather: There should be a return to a more normal weather pattern Sunday. Temperatures will be a little cooler, the humidity will be a little higher and the winds lighter than Saturday.

Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue to be heavy in communities near and east of the Ranch Fire, including Clearlake, Stonyford and east to Willows. Moderate impacts are expected west of the fires in Ukiah, Hopland and Willits. The north and central Sacramento Valley will see widespread haze and smoky conditions.

August 11, 2018 at 8:00 AM

Ranch Fire: 276,306 acres and 58% contained.
River Fire 48,920 acres and 92% contained.

The Ranch Fire grew approximately 20,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours and is currently 276,306 acres and 58 percent contained. Fire activity increased in the northwest corner of the fire near the Pine Mountain Project, Potato Hill area and Little Sullivan Ridge on Friday. Columns of smoke could be seen from the surrounding communities. Air tankers and helicopters were used to help slow the fire’s advance. The Ranch Fire continued to spread into the Snow Mountain Wilderness. The fire burned past Letts Lake yesterday afternoon. The Ranch Fire is also burning in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Ranch Fire: Due to increased fire activity, firefighters had to suspend construction of the dozer line along McLeod Ridge from Lake Pillsbury towards Rice Valley. They were able to hold and improve the portion of the dozer line that has already been constructed.

Crews continued to cut fireline in the steep canyons near Clover Valley in the southern portion of the fire. Helicopters were also used to suppress hot spots and flare-ups. Good progress was made constructing contingency dozer lines in the Potter Valley area and along Bushy Camp and Noel Ridges.

Dozer operators will continue constructing dozer line along Gilmore Ridge and north through the2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. This is to secure the fire’s northeast corner to keep the fire west of Stonyford and Century Ranch. Construction of a contingency dozer line along Noel Springs Ridge and Bushy Camp Ridge as an extra precaution will continue Saturday.

Firefighters will keep working around structures in the Lake Pillsbury area Saturday, clearing and improving lines around the residences. Reinforcing the dozer line running from the Eel Rivernortheast to south of the community will continue. Crews will improve and hold the dozer line along McLeod Ridge today. Fire managers are looking for opportunities to build fireline between Split Rock and Potato Hill.

Crews will improve fireline in the steep canyons near Clover Valley in the southern portion of the fire. Engines will mop-up and patrol the areas around Long Valley and Spring Valley.

Firefighters are improving the roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project. This will allow firefighters to contain the fire spread to the north and west near Potter Valley. Crews will improve the contingency dozer line around Potter Valley.

Air tankers and helicopters will be used to support the firefighters on the ground and slow the fire’s progress as smoke conditions allow.

River Fire: No smoke was visible on the fire Friday. Crews will continue to patrol the fire’s edge looking for hot spots. They are also implementing suppression repair. The River Fire has not grown in several days and is currently 48,920 acres and 92 percent contained.

There are over 3,500 firefighters assigned to the Mendocino Complex. This includes 41 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand. An additional 200 active duty military firefighters from the 14thBrigade Engineer Battalion arrived Friday and are going through basic firefighting field training for the next two days.

Fire Area Weather: A red flag warning is in effect for the fire area through Saturday. High temperatures and low humidity are forecast along with moderate winds.Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue to be heavy in communities near and east of the Ranch Fire, including Clearlake, Stonyford and east to Willows. Moderate impacts are expected west of the fires in Ukiah and Willits. The north and central Sacramento Valley will continue to have heavy smoke.

August 10, 2018 at 9:58 PM

Ranch Fire: 263,527 acres 53% contained.
River Fire: 48,920 acres 90% contained.

Today Fire crews continued to prep for firing operations around the Pine Mountain Project. Air attack resumed when flight conditions improved later in the day. On the ground, environmental conditions remained a challenge in the north, with tough terrain and heavy smoke limiting accessibility. In the southern portion of the fire containment lines continue to hold and crews are actively patrolling the perimeter. Fire suppression repair crews have begun work in the southwest.

The River Fire continues to be patrolled with suppression repair crews on the ground.

Elk Mountain Road is now open to the Mendocino National Forest boundary which is located near the Middle Creek Campground.

Bartlett Springs Road is now open to the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

Please be cautious when driving in these areas as there are still emergency vehicles and utility vehicles working in the area.

August 10, 2018 at 8:41 AM

Smoky conditions moderated fire activity and limited aircraft use over the fire area Thursday. The smoke also prevented crews from working in some remote areas of the northern portion of the fire near Blue Slides Ridge. The crews could not observe the fire and did not feel safe working in the remote smoky areas with limited visibility. As smoke cleared late in the afternoon, the fire became more active and air tankers were used near Potter Valley.

Ranch Fire: Good progress was made Thursday on constructing a dozer line along McLeod Ridge from Lake Pillsbury towards Rice Valley. The dozers in the Goat Mountain Road area were able to construct line to the east and work north. Long Valley and Spring Valley residents were able to return to their homes and the Upper Lake ranger district office reopened.

The Ranch Fire continued to spread to the north and into the Snow Mountain Wilderness Thursday. The fire is just south of Letts Lake. Firefighters conducted a small firing operation to secure the line near the Eel River in the northwest portion of the fire. Crews continued to cut fireline in the steep canyons near High Valley Ridge in the southern portion of the fire.

Crews will improve the dozer line along McLeod Ridge Friday. Dozer operators will continue constructing dozer line along Goat Mountain Road and north through the 2012 Mill Fire scar toward Davis Flat. This is to secure the fire’s northeast corner and keep the fire west of Stonyford and Century Ranch. Construction of a contingency dozer line along Noel Springs Ridge and Bushy Camp Ridge as an extra precaution will continue Friday.

Firefighters will keep working around structures in the Lake Pillsbury area Friday, clearing and improving lines around the residences. Reinforcing the dozer line running from the Eel River northeast to south of the community will continue. The Ranch Fire is approximately three miles from the southern border of Lake Pillsbury.

Crews will improve fireline in the steep canyons near High Valley Ridge in the southern portion of the fire. Engines will mop-up and patrol the areas around Long Valley and Spring Valley.Fire managers are looking for opportunities to build fireline north of the Blue Slides Ridge area.This will allow firefighters to connect the McLeod Ridge dozer line on the west side of the fire to the dozer line in the 2012 Mill Fire on the east side of the fire.

Firefighters are improving the roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project. This will allow firefighters to contain the fire spread to the north and west near Potter Valley. Construction of the contingency dozer line around Potter Valley as an extra precaution continues.

The Ranch Fire grew approximately 3,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours and is currently258,527 acres and 53 percent contained. The Ranch Fire is burning in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

River Fire: No smoke was visible on the fire Thursday. Crews will continue to patrol the fire’s edge looking for hot spots. They are also implementing suppression repair. The River Fire has had no growth in the last seventy-two hours and is currently 48,920 acres and 90 percent contained.There are over 3,800 firefighters assigned to the Mendocino Complex. This includes 41 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand. An additional 200 active duty military firefighters from the 14thBrigade Engineer Battalion are scheduled to arrive Friday.

Fire Area Weather: A red flag warning is in effect for the fire area Friday and Saturday. High temperatures and low humidity are forecast along with an increase in winds.

Smoke: Smoke impacts will continue to be heavy in communities near and east of the Ranch Fire,such as Clearlake, Stonyford and east to Willows. A reprieve in heavy smoke has been seen and moderate impacts are expected west of the fires, such as Ukiah and Willits, as light westerly winds are transporting smoke east. The north and central Sacramento Valley will continue to have heavy smoke, while the southern end looks to improve Friday night.

August 10, 2018 at 8:23 AM

Ranch Fire: 258,527 acres 53% contained.
River Fire: 48,920 acres 90% contained.

The Ranch Fire had moderate fire behavior last night on the Northwest side. Today fire crews will continue bringing the fire line into the Mendocino National Forest, working to suppress the fire underneath Lake Pillsbury. Contingency lines will be built ahead of the fire. The northeast side of the fire will be scouted for opportunities to bring containment lines across the Snow Mountain Wilderness. A full air attack strategy will be utilized when visibility from smoky conditions permit.

The River Fire continues to have suppression repair work performed and patrolled by fire crews.

August 9, 2018 at 10:39 PM

The River Fire continues to be monitored. Containment lines are still holding and crews are patrolling the area for any hot spots. Crews are beginning suppression repair and continue to mop up the burned areas.

The Ranch Fire fire crews are beginning suppression repair and mop up in the southern section of the fire. The fire crews worked to hold existing dozer lines and continue to add new dozer lines as a contingency plan. In the northern section fire crews are prepping structures and looking for opportunities to go direct on the fire. In the Snow Mountain Wilderness very smoky conditions and steep topography make it challenging to attack the fire front directly. Tonight crews will continue their objectives to searching for viable opportunities to safely engage the fire.

The Ranch fire is 265,232 acres and the River fire is 48,920 acres.

The Ranch fire continues to move to the north; the River fire is not spreading.

August 9, 2018 at 12:04 PM

The mandatory evacuations have been reduced to an evacuation advisory for the following areas:

Spring Valley, High Valley, Landrum Ranch and the Double Eagle Community. Hwy. 20 remains open to all traffic.

There are road closures at the following locations and areas beyond these closures are still under Mandatory Evacuation:

Upper Lake:

North of the Elk Mountain Rd at White Rock Canyon Road

Nice/Lucerne:

Bartlett Spring north of the Hwy 20 intersection

Containers for perishable food and freezer waste items ONLY for both customers and non-customers of LCWS are Located at:

Upper Lake: Upper Lake Park
Nice: Hammond Park
Lucerne: Lucerne Harbor Park
Clearlake Oaks: Intersection of Hwy 20 and Island Drive
Clearlake Oaks: Moose Lodge

Debris and ash from residential and other structural fires may contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and hazardous materials. Many building materials contain asbestos, and older buildings often contain lead. Household hazardous waste such as gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals may have been stored in homes, garages, or sheds that may have burned in the fire. These materials can become concentrated in ash and soil following a fire. It is important not to expose yourself, your family or others to any of these materials. Exposures can occur by sifting through and/or moving ash and debris, causing ash to become airborne and inhaled or ingested.

August 9, 2018 at 8:04 AM

Ranch Fire
Acreage: 255,482 acres
Containment: 48%

River Fire
Acreage: 48,920 acres
Containment: 84%

The northern side of the ranch fire had moderate fire activity overnight. Fire crews continued to improve conditions around the Pine Mountain Project with firing operations overnight. Throughout the day crews will continue to patrol the south-west boundaries of the Ranch Fire, and support dozer lines in the north.

The River Fire had no movement overnight, and today fire crews will focus on patrolling and mopping up.

August 8, 2018 at 10:54 PM

Dozer line construction will continue along McLeod Ridge again today. Dozers are working to improve the Stonyford-Lodoga Road. Fire managers are looking for opportunities to construct dozer line through the middle of the 2012 Mill Fire to secure the fire’s northeast corner. The dozer line will extend from the southern edge of the Mill Fire north to Davis Flat. This is to keep the fire west of Stonyford and Century Ranch.

Firefighters will keep working around structures in the Lake Pillsbury area Wednesday, clearing and improving lines around the residences. Reinforcing the dozer line running from the Eel River northeast to south of the community will continue today.

Fire managers are looking for opportunities to build fireline along or near the fire’s edge and keep the fire south of the Snow Mountain Wilderness. Several ridges east of Rice Valley are being considered. This will allow firefighters to connect the dozer line along McLeod Ridge to the roads and dozer lines in and around the 2012 Mill Fire.

Firefighters are improving the roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project. This will allow firefighters to contain the fire spread to the north and west near Potter Valley. Beginning today a contingency dozer line is being constructed around Potter Valley as an extra precaution.

August 8, 2018 at 7:00 AM

RANCH FIRE: 251,166 acres Containment: 46%

RIVER FIRE: 48,920 acres Containment: 81%

MENDOCINO COMPLEX TOTALS
Total Acreage: 300,086 acres
Total Containment: 47%
Expected Full Containment: 09/1/18
Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: None
Firefighter Injuries: None
Structures Threatened: 10,300
Structures Destroyed: 116 residences / 105 other
Structures Damaged: 12 residences / 15 other

The northern portion of the Ranch Fire remained active overnight, moving further into the Mendocino National Forest transitioning into dense stands of mixed conifer. Last night fire crews worked diligently on the southern and south-east edges to increase containment and continue to work towards the threat to the surrounding communities in those areas.

The River Fire had no overnight movement.

August 7, 2018 at 6:01 PM

The evacuation advisory has been lifted for the North Lakeport, Scotts Valley, Blue Lakes, Witter Springs, Saratoga Springs and Bachelor Valley areas. This includes residences West of State Highway 29, south of Highway 20, north of Highway 175 and east of the Lake/Mendocino County line.

August 7, 2018 at 12:03 PM

Mandatory Evacuation Order Mendocino County:
South of Eel River, west of the Mendocino-Lake county line, east of 10500 block of Mid Mountain Road, and north of Pine Ave
Note: Houses on Pine Avenue are not affected.

August 7, 2018 at 10:10 AM

A high pressure system brought warmer weather, drying conditions, and strong winds to the fire area yesterday. Additional engines, water tenders, and dozers arrived on the fires to aid in the suppression efforts.

Ranch Fire: The Ranch Fire continued to spread to the east-southeast. Fire crews worked aggressively to hold previously established containment lines. Firefighters made good progress on spot fires west of Lucerne and along the Highway 20 corridor. Today fire engines are continuing to provide structure defense in threatened communities.

There is a large spot fire into and east of the 2018 Pawnee Fire in the Spring Valley area. This area is a high priority today and helicopters are concentrating in this area to hold the fire west of the Bear Valley Road.

Flames could be seen in the Stonyford-Lodoga Road area across from the Century Ranch subdivision yesterday. Dozers are continuing to work on the Stonyford-Ladoga Road, and opportunities for containment west of Stonyford are still being assessed.

Firefighters are continuing their work around structures in the Lake Pillsbury area, clearing and creating lines around the residences. They made good progress on the dozer line running from the Eel River northeast to south of the community.

A high priority for airtankers today will be to slow the fire spread to the north. Fire managers are looking for opportunities to go direct or to place indirect fireline across the northern edge of the fire depending on the effectiveness of the retardant lines and firefighter safety. Fire managers are looking at using the 2012 Mill Fire lines, a series of ridges south of the Snow Mountain Wilderness and near Rice Creek, the dozer line south of Lake Pillsbury and roads around the northern and western edges of the Pine Mountain Project to contain the fire spread to the north.

The Ranch Fire grew approximately 16,000 acres in the last twenty-four hours and is currently 241,772 acres and 20 percent contained. The Ranch Fire is burning in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

River Fire: The River Fire had a successful firing operation in the Cow Mountain area, continuing to tie into Scotts Valley Road. The River Fire is currently 48,920 acres and 78 percent contained.

FIRE AREA WEATHER
Weather is expected to be warm and dry as a ridge of high pressure has settled back over the area. Normal seasonal wind patterns will again develop in the afternoon. This warming trend is expected to last at least through mid-week. Fuel moisture recovery continues to be poor overnight.

SMOKE
Heavy smoke will again be seen in the Sacramento Valley today. Local communities east of the fire (in the western foothills of the valley) will have the heaviest impacts and are expected to remain in dense smoke. Communities on the southern end of the valley, such as Sacramento, will see smoke settle in this afternoon before lifting this evening. Areas on the western side of the fire, such as Ukiah, will have hazy skies with minimal smoke impacts

August 7, 2018 at 9:12 AM

The following areas have been reduced to an Evacuation Advisory and may return to their homes: South of the Mendocino National Forest Boundary, west of SR 29, north of the Hendricks Road/Scotts Valley Road intersection, and east of the Lake-Mendocino County Line. This includes Blue Lakes, Bachelor Valley, Witter Springs, Saratoga Springs, and Scotts Valley Road.

August 7, 2018 at 7:26 AM

Ranch Fire: 241,772 acres and 20% contained
River Fire 48,920 acres and 78% contained.

The fire is burning in a mixture of grass, brush, oak woodlands and scattered pine stands. The grass component is fully cured, with a moderate to heavy fuel loading. The fire spread is being driven by the critical fuel moistures, high temperatures, humidity in the teens, and high mid-afternoon winds. These combinations are leading to erratic fire behavior with long range spotting. Fire activity will remain active into the late evening with evening winds and poor humidity recovery.

Fire behavior:

River: Winds will continue from the Northwest. High potential for spotting for East/West drainages and alongside. Fire behavior should increase earlier in the day with the atmosphere becoming less stable than the two previous days.

Branch I & II: Fuels will be exposed to solar heating early in the day with the Northwest winds. Fire will progress to the North from topographic features, but will have higher spread rates in the East/West drainages.

Branch Ill: Fire behavior will be moderated by smoke coverage early in the day. Winds will shift throughout the day from Northwest to West to Southwest in the evening. Fire activity will increase as the atmosphere becomes more unstable, allowing for vertical lift and the smoke to clear. This will allow the possibility for spotting up to a mile.

Branch IV: Fire behavior will be moderated early in the day. In the mid-afternoon winds, will funnel through High Valley towards Drop Point 37 which will result in an increase of fire activity and spot fires. Spotting potential remains high, up to 1 mile. Northwest winds should subside around 2100 hours and become light from the Northeast. This wind change could cause slop overs along the southern fires edge.:.

August 6, 2018 at 8:53 PM

Today a higher pressure system brought warmer weather, drying, and strong winds to the region.

The Ranch Fire saw continued spread to the east-southeast sections. Fire crews worked aggressively to hold previously established containment lines.

The River Fire had a successful firing operation in the Cow Mountain area, continuing to tie into Scotts Valley Road.

Today more engines, water tenders, and dozers came in to help fire suppression efforts. Tonight fire crews will try to take advantage of the lower temperatures to increase suppression and hold current containment lines.

August 6, 2018 at 12:27 PM

The evacuation advisory as been lifted for area south of 11th Street and Riggs Road; west of Clear Lake, Highland Springs Road, and Big Valley Road; north of the Lake-Mendocino County Line; and east of Lake-Mendocino County Line.

August 6, 2018 at 9:43 AM

River Fire:  The River Fire was relatively quiet throughout the day Sunday. Firefighters initiated a burning operation when conditions became favorable in the evening, and were able to significantly strengthen containment lines. Residents should expect to see areas of vegetation inside containment lines continuing to ignite and burn today. If possible, firefighters will continue burning operations today.

Ranch Fire: The Ranch Fire was also moderated by weather through the day. However, the fire grew to the north as winds pushed it out of brush into stands of heavy conifer, and to the east as it was pushed down off the slope. Sunday, firefighters worked around structures in the Lake Pillsbury area, clearing and creating lines around the residences. They made good progress on dozer line running from the Eel River northeast to below the community, and are looking for opportunities to place indirect line across the northern edge of the fire.

Dozers continued to work on the Stonyford-Ladoga Road, and opportunities for containment west of Stonyford are still being assessed.

The fire also made a significant run in the southeastern corner, and a slopover occurred across the line. Firefighters worked late into the night, and that spot is currently holding. A priority today will be to hold the fire west of the Bear Valley Road. Crews will look for opportunities to tie lines into the 2018 Pawnee Fire scar.

Firefighters made good progress Sunday on lines behind the communities on the east side of Clear Lake, and will continue to work on that today.

FIRE AREA WEATHER

Weather is expected to be warmer than Sunday as a ridge of high pressure settles back over the area. Normal seasonal wind patterns will again develop in the afternoon. This warming trend is expected to last at least through mid-week. Fuel moisture recovery continues to be poor overnight.

SMOKE
Smoke is expected to remain heavy throughout the region, especially in the areas east and south of the Ranch Fire.

August 6, 2018 at 7:30 AM

RANCH FIRE STATUS
Acreage: 225,001 acres
Containment: 21%

RIVER FIRE STATUS
Acreage: 48,663 acres
Containment: 58%

MENDOCINO COMPLEX TOTALS
Total Acreage: 273,664 acres
Total Containment: 30%
Expected Full Containment: 08/15/18
Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: None
Firefighter Injuries: None
Structures Threatened: 9,300
Structures Destroyed: 75 residences / 68 other
Structures Damaged: 12 residences / 14 other

The River Fire had limited movement overnight, a burnout operation conducted on the Northern portion of the fire in the late afternoon improved containment. Today we will look at burning out and tying in containment lines.

The Ranch Fire continues to grow in the north and south eastern directions, threatening communities in the fires path. The terrain on the Northern quarter of the Ranch Fire make it challenging to access the fire front directly. Many crews will be on the ground in the communities threatened by the fire, providing structure protection.

As there is increased containment and success on the River Fire, resources are being mobilized to help with the Ranch Fire.

————–

RANCH FIRE STATUS
Incident Start Date: 07/27/18
Incident Start Time: 12:03 PM
Incident Type: Wildland
Fire Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Highway CA-20 at MP 39, Old Lake County Highway, Blue Lake, 8 mi NE of Ukiah
Acreage: 218,319 acres
Containment: 23%

RIVER FIRE STATUS
Incident Start Date: 07/27/18
Incident Start Time: 1:01 PM
Incident Type: Wildland
Fire Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Old River Road, 6 miles north of Hopland
Acreage: 48,663 acres
Containment: 58%

MENDOCINO COMPLEX TOTALS
CAL FIRE Unit: Mendocino Unit, Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Unified Command Agencies: CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service
Total Acreage: 266,982 acres
Total Containment: 33%
Expected Full Containment: 08/15/18
Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: None
Firefighter Injuries: None
Structures Threatened: 15,300
Structures Destroyed: 68 residences / 62 other
Structures Damaged: 12 residences / 14 other

During the morning we had a more stable weather system which allowed firefighters to actively suppress the fire with some success along with air attack when conditions and access were permitted. This afternoon brought lower humidity and higher winds which caused to fire activity to increase and push forward as we have seen in previous days to the south, east, and northern portions of the Ranch Fire.

The northern part of the River Fire continues to push towards Cow Mountain and Scotts Valley Rd. Tonight firefighters will continue to hold the existing fire line and look for opportunities to increase containment.

August 5, 2018 at 12:14 PM

The evacuation order for the North Lakeport area east of Hill Road has been reduced to an advisory. Residents north of the Scotts Valley Road and Hill Road intersection, east of Hill Road, south of Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road, and west of Clear Lake may return home. This will includes all driveways and streets accessed from Hill Road and Lakeshore Blvd. to the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff.

August 5, 2018 at 10:34 AM

The Ranch Fire remained active overnight, spreading northward toward Lake Pillsbury and east toward Stonyford. As of 6 a.m. on August 5, 2018, the Ranch Fire is estimated at 207,319 acres and 23 percent contained. The River Fire is 47,663 acres and 58 percent contained.

River Fire: Containment lines have been completed between Scotts Valley Road and Blue Lake/ Highway 20. On Sunday crews will use tactical firing as necessary to remove vegetation between the active fire’s edge and the containment line. Firefighters will continue to improve and patrol completed containment lines around the fire.

Ranch Fire: Firefighters initiated dozer line overnight from the Eel River northeast toward Elk Mountain Road to protect the residences around Lake Pillsbury, and to attempt to keep the fire out of the Pine Mountain Project. The fire slowed around Little Round Mountain as of this morning. Fire crews will continue to improve that line today.

Opportunities to build indirect fire line (containment line built ahead of the fire’s active edge) were scouted on the northeastern side of the fire. Steep, rugged terrain and prevalent winds through drainages will continue to result in active fire behavior again today.

Crews will continue to work on dozer lines along the Stonyford-Lodoga Road and around the community of Stonyford. On the southeastern side of the fire, favorable visibility allowed aircraft to reduce fire spread with retardant, giving firefighters on the ground an opportunity to create dozer line down the eastern edge of Bear Valley. The fire has burned into the burn scar of the 2018 Pawnee Fire. The east-southeastern edges of the fire were the most active, again growing over 30,000 acres in 24 hours. Spot fires were observed over one mile ahead of the main fire.

Active fire behavior was observed around the communities of the eastern side of Clear Lake. The focus again will be to create buffer zones around these communities, to assess and protect structures, and to build line directly on the fire’s edge as it is safe to do so.

August 5, 2018 at 9:27 AM

Control Objectives

Ranch Fire:
-Keep the fire North of Hwy 20
-Keep the fire South of the Sanhedrin Wilderness Area
-Keep the fire East of Potter Valley
-Keep the fire West of Leesville Ladoga Rd

River Fire:

– Keep the fire North of Pine Mountain Road
– Keep the fire South of Blue Lake Road
– Keep the fire East of Old River Road
– Keep the fire West of Hwy 29

August 5, 2018 at 8:38 AM

Ranch Fire 207,319 acres and 23% contained.
River Fire 47,663 acres and 58% contained.

Last night crews had good success increasing containment on the River Fire and containment lines were holding well. The strategic plan and operations throughout the previous day held the fire to limited fire spread. The Ranch Fire continues to grow in a south east direction and crews will continue to be embedded in the communities providing structure protection. The Pillsbury Lake Basin still continues to be threatened and crews are working strategically protect this area.

August 4, 2018 at 9:34 PM

Ranch Fire 181,343 acres and 22% contained.
River Fire 47,663 acres and 50% contained.

Today crews observed erratic winds following column collapse and are reporting 300 ft. flame lengths in some of the southeast areas of the Ranch Fire. Crews were working hard to protect property in the Lucerne with many fire personnel mobilized to that area.

On the River Fire we had some successful burn operations on the northeast side and continue to make good progress.

August 4, 2018 at 6:09 PM

Glenn County OES: South west Glenn County is under advisory evacuation or prepare to evacuate. No shelter is open at this time in Glenn County. If we upgrade to mandatory evac we will issue an alert and notify of shelter location.

MNF: Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Stonyford due to fire activity on the #RanchFire. Areas north, including Elk Creek are under an evacuation advisory at this time.

August 4, 2018 at 5:19 PM

Mendocino National forest officials have issued a second forest order closing roads, trails and campgrounds in a large area due to the Ranch Fire on the Upper Lake ranger district. The purpose of the closure is to provide safety to the public and for the firefighters on the incident.

The closure of the fire area is necessary to help ensure that no one is injured within or near the active fire perimeter. The area is closed due to fire suppression and rehabilitation activities that create a hazard to the public, including the use of heavy equipment, the falling of hazard trees weakened by the fire and the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of fuels breaks.

August 4, 2018 at 12:52 PM

Lake Pillsbury Area Mandatory Evacuation Notice

North of Highway 20, east of the Lake-Mendocino County Line, south of the Lake-Mendocino County Line, west of the Lake-Glenn County Line. This includes the areas of Lake Pillsbury, Elk Mountain Rd, Bear Creek, Pine Mountain, and the surrounding areas. Travel West to Potter Valley via Elk Mountain Road. Shelter is available at the Mendocino College Ukiah Campus.

August 4, 2018 at 11:44 AM

This is a Mandatory Evacuation Notice for the Highway 20 Area East of New Long Valley Road to the Lake-Colusa County Line , including residents with driveway access on the south side of Hwy. 20. All residents are advised to Evacuate Immediately. Shelters have been established at Mountain Vista Middle School in Kelseyville.
This includes the Landrum Ranch and Double Eagle Community.

August 4, 2018 at 8:09 AM

Control Objectives for today

Ranch Fire:
-Keep the fire North of Hwy 20
-Keep the fire South of the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area
-Keep the fire East of Potter Valley
-Keep the fire West of Leesville Lodoga Rd

River Fire:
– Keep the fire North of Pine Mountain Road
– Keep the fire South of Blue Lake Road
– Keep the fire East of Old River Road
– Keep the fire West of Hwy 29

August 4, 2018 at 7:42 AM

At this time the evacuation shelters at Lower Lake High School and Middletown Middle/High School are at capacity. If you need shelter please go to Mountain Vista Middle School located at 5081 Konocti Road in Kelseyville.

August 4, 2018 at 7:28 AM

Ranch Fire 156,678 acres and 27% contained.
River Fire 44,793 acres and 50% contained.

Last night there was poor relative humidity recovery from the day and both fires continued to remain active overnight. Low fuel moisture and possible increase in ridge winds drive the fire. The Northwest portion of the Ranch Fire will progress further into the Mendocino National Forest and continue to establish itself in the drainages south of Lake Pillsbury and to the east of the current fire perimeter.

The Northern portion of the River fire is continuing to burn towards Cow Mountain and Scotts Valley Rd.

Wind speeds today will present the possibility of active crown runs.

August 3, 2018 at 7:05 PM

Ranch Fire 115,250 acres and 30% contained.
River Fire 42,200 acres and 50% contained.

Both Ranch and River fires remained active today with hot weather and wind driven flame fronts. Continued high temperatures and low humidity along with limited access make it difficult to access the fire directly. The Ranch fire continued to burn toward the north towards Lake Pillsbury and East towards the Pawnee Fire scar. The River fire continued to move north and east towards Cow Mountain and Scotts Valley Road. Tonight fire crews will look for opportunities to make progress on containment.

Mandatory Evacuations:

Mendocino County:

• SR CA-20 area from one mile south of SR CA-20, east of Potter Valley Road, south of the fire perimeter, and west of Mendocino-Lake County Line.
• Cow Mountain Area of Mendocino County (South of SR-20, west of the Mendocino/Lake County line, east of the intersection of North Cow Mountain Road and the Cow Mountain Access Road, and north of the current fire perimeter of the River Fire )

Lake County:

•For the Lucerne, Pepperwood Grove, Paradise Valley, Glenhaven, and Clearlake Oaks areas of Lake County: All areas north of Clear Lake, south and east of Bartlett Springs Road at Hwy 20, west of Bartlett Springs Road at the Indian Valley Reservoir, south to New Long Valley Road and Hwy 20 at Hwy 53.
•Western Lake County, north of Clear Lake and Bartlett Springs Road, east of the Lake-Mendocino County Line, south of the Ranch Fire, and Bartlett Springs Road.
•Bartlett Springs Road at Hwy 20, east along the National Forest boundary to High Valley Road, southeast to the 5 Star Fish Farm, southeast to the north side of Hwy 20, east to New Long Valley Road, extending north to the west side of the Indian Valley Reservoir, north to Bartlett Springs Road, east to the Lake-Colusa County Line, north along the Lake-Colusa County Line extending to Forest Service Road 18N40 (west of the Glenn County Line), and west to the western National Forest boundary in Lake County.
•Scotts Valley, Blue Lakes, Upper Lake, Bachelor Valley, and Nice.
•This includes High Valley Road, 5 Star Fish Farm, Round Mountain Road, New Long Valley Road, Old Long Valley Road, and Spring Valley Road.
•South of Bartlett Springs Road at Hwy 20, west of the Forest Boundary, including Pierce Canyon and High Valley Road, west of Sulpher Bank Drive at Hwy 20 and north of Clear Lake.
•West of SR 29 and north of Park Way

August 3, 2018 at 11:31 AM

This is a Mandatory Evacuation Notice for the Blue Lakes area. The area is at risk from the River Fire. Residents should leave the area immediately to the North & West. A shelter has been established at Mendocino College, and additional shelters will be established as necessary.

August 3, 2018 at 11:27 AM

Lakeport Unified School District Update: At the regularly scheduled board meeting last night (August 2nd), the school board discussed the many issues that need to be addressed to safely open school for staff and students. Issues that were discussed are the following: Evacuation orders need to be lifted from our entire district; facilities need to be checked for safety conditions – electrical, water/sewer, etc; bond construction projects need to be completed and cleaned (6th grade sidewalks and ramps, central kitchen completion); buildings need to be cleaned both in the interior and exterior; air quality will need to be healthy outside and inside buildings; playgrounds and parking lots need to be cleaned; refrigeration units will need to be emptied, sanitized and food replaced; and administrators and teachers need time to prepare for students.

With all of these logistics necessary to open school, the district does not anticipate staff returning before August 16th and students to begin school before August 22nd. There is variability in the timing of all of the tasks getting completed, so I will send weekly updates to allow staff and families to get a better idea of the progression towards the opening day of school. Until all safety issues can be addressed, staff and students will not be allowed in offices or classrooms.

We will need to adjust the school calendar and will consult with the California Department of Education for guidance.

The District is committed to getting this year off to a safe start despite this fire. We have faith in our talented classified and certificated staff to deal with this adversity and still provide a quality education for our students this year.

August 3, 2018 at 10:44 AM

This is a Mandatory Evacuation Notification for the Lucerne, Glenhaven & Clearlake Oaks areas. Residents are advised to leave immediately, traveling South. A staging area has been established at the Twin Pines Casino, where you will given further directions.

August 3, 2018 at 7:56 AM

Ranch Fire 112,226 acres and 28% contained.
River Fire 41,512 acres and 50% contained.

Both fires continue to remain active throughout the night. The Ranch fire made significant and rapid expansion to the east towards the Pawnee Fire scar. Today Firefighters will continue to prep and defend structures along with construct primary and secondary control lines. Access and weather make many areas of the fire difficult to directly fight fire. Aircraft support will be utilized when weather and smoke visibility conditions permit.

August 2, 2018 at 9:02 PM

The fire continues to grow with increased heat and difficult terrain. Firefighters continue to prep and defend structures along with construct primary and secondary control lines.Firefighters will continue to hold existing control lines and scout contingency lines. Fire Personnel will continue to develop strategic plans to mitigate the Ranch Fires Northern push towards Lake Pillsbury.