[UPDATE 2:57 p.m.] The Mendocino Complex: Nearly 75,000 Acres Burned, 12% Contained [Maps, Photos]
According to Cal Fire, “The fire burned actively throughout the night.” Humidity didn’t rise enough to cool the flames and the battle continued through the dark and will be fierce today as “long distance spotting” continues to be a challenge, according to the agency.
For information on evacuations and road closures go here.
The Plan:
For the Ranch Fire, firefighters need to keep the fire from jumping Hwy 20 and heading towards the more densely populated Clear Lake communities. Yesterday, the fire pushed down to Hwy 20 and even slopped over around Saratoga Springs Road and Scotts Creek Drive.
For the River Fire, crews will try to keep the fire from extending east into Lakeport and Finley. Firefighters will continue to try and keep the fire west of State Route 29.
The Weather:
Hot and dry again today and for the next few days. Expect breezy weather, too. These are conditions that make it tough for firefighters to take control of the flames. However, overnight humidity should rise a little which will help cool the fire after dark and give crews some assistance.
The Roads:
Hwy 20 and 175 are closed with no estimated time of reopening. Many smaller roads are closed also. Check Cal Fire for the latest but be aware that conditions are changing fast on the frontlines.According to Caltrans,
MENDOCINO COMPLEX FIRE ROAD CLOSURES-
Monday 7/30/18:Highway 20- Closed from 5 miles east of Hwy 101 junction to Hwy 29 junction.
Highway 175- Closed from Hopland- Hwy 101 junction to Mathews Road at Hwy 29 junction.Highway 29- Closed from Highland Springs Road, Hwy 175 junction to Potter Road at the Hwy 20 junction.
Weather conditions will continue to challenge fire crews today. Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecasted with temps in the 100s and winds with gusts up to 20 mph.
These road closures may change based on the changing fire conditions. For the latest road infohttp://
quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
The MAPS:
- Ranch Operations Map –to see details either zoom or click on the map and download a pdf.
- River Operations Map –to see details either zoom or click on the map and download a pdf.
- KMZ Map–Zoom for detail or for 3D imagery, click on the map and download a file that connects with your Google Earth program.
UPDATE 8:28 a.m.: Video from last night by Matthew Henderson, a well-known fire photographer. (Follow him for further information.)
UPDATE 9:18 a.m.: Resources from the Mendocino County Sheriff:
Download this Fire Recovery Resource List from County of Mendocino. Can you think of something that should be added? Call us (707) 467-6428 and let us know.#MendocinoComplex
PLS RT. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/F5cB9lnDLH— Mendocino Sheriff (@MendoSheriff) July 31, 2018
UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: Cal Fire announced,
Evacuation orders have been lifted and residents may return to the following areas:
• Potter Valley Community
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the Evacuation Order to an
Evacuation Warning in the following areas:
• Potter Valley Community; All areas north of Highway CA – 20, east of East Side Potter
Valley Road, south of Burris Lane, and west of the fire perimeter, including Burris Lane
and MeWhinney Creek.
The Evacuation Order for Potter Valley including Pine Avenue and Mid Mountain remains in
effect.
Earlier Chapters:
- Mandatory Evacuations for River Fire 4000 Acres / Ranch Fire Grown to 1000 Acres
- Thousands Without Electricity in Lake and Mendocino County as Major Wildfires Rage
- Mendocino Complex Devours Almost 25,000 Acres (Maps, Photos)
- Hwy 20 Closed as Ranch Fire Runs Out of Control
- More Evacuations as Both Fires of the Mendocino Complex Plow Deeper Into Lake County
- The Two Fiery Claws of the Mendocino Complex Squeeze Clear Lake and Its Communities (Maps, Photos)
- Kelseyville and Finley Area Ordered to Immediately Evacuate as River Fire Rushes Southeast
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Beautiful photo Jeff!!!! Frame that one in a gallery.
Praying everyone is safe. Thank u firefighters for risking ur lives to save others. U r the true heros!
Thank you for sharing the updates. You keep us aware and therefore safer.
Yes. Thank you for clear, concise and useful information. It’s so much better than elsewhere.
I keep thinking about that man who did not evacuate in Nice. It is good to know it is still ok there.
( chanting while fist pumping) Kym Kemp! Kym Kemp! Kym Kemp!
Does anyone know how far south and east the fire has traveled?
Kym,on the maps…are the yellow lines yesterday and the red lines today? Thanks again
There is a legend. I think they make this map from the overnight IR flight. I don’t think it considers time.
NEW FIRE…EEL Fire is in the Indian Dick / Mendocino Pass rd area of Covelo / Round Valley.
Evacuations taking place around Mendocino Pass Rd…
Best info in detail i have seen..Excellent Thank you!!! o