August Complex Fire grows to more than 970,000 acres, 51% containment

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — The August Complex Fire has grown to more than 970,000 acres and is now 51% contained.

The fire continues to move north of Highway 36 toward Bear Wallow and south toward Forest Glen. It’s also moving to the southwest in the drainages and valleys south of Ruth Lake.

“One of the things we like to measure is the probability of ignition. It’s a measure that if spots land on fuels outside the fire area, what is the likelihood of those spots starting new fires. At this point, we’re at about 90%. If there are 100 embers that land on either old logs or pine needles or something, 90 of them will start new fires and that’s what is causing problems,” according to fire behavior analyst Chris Moore.

If anyone would like to know more about the status of their property, the Trinity County Office of Emergency Services will be entering affected areas as soon as it’s safe and will contact owners directly.

-Paid Advertisement-