The following is a press release from Mendocino National Forest:
The lightning fires that started Sunday, Aug. 16 on the Mendocino National Forest will be managed under one organization and will now be called the August Complex. The Complex is comprised of at least 20 fires, ranging from one-tenth acre to 2,000 acres, with more fires anticipated to surface. A California Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the Complex and is scheduled to arrive Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Several of the fires in the August Complex spread rapidly and gained ground on Monday. The Doe Fire, by Valley View Orchard 35 miles northwest of Willows, grew to approximately 2,000 acres and became established in Bear Canyon. About 100 personnel are assigned to the Doe.
Suppression efforts were hampered by thunder cells and strong winds Monday afternoon on two fires west of Elk Creek: Rockwell and Pine Kop. The Rockwell Fire is estimated at 400 acres and the Pine Kop is estimated at 750 acres. These fires are 0% contained and have crews and engines committed.
The Box Fire in the Snow Mountain Wilderness had minimal growth and stands at 25 acres. The Box is staffed by smokejumpers and aircraft.
Meanwhile, several other small fires have been contained and will be monitored and patrolled.
Please be advised that forest officials will be implementing a closure for firefighter and public safety on the M9 Road from the forest boundary west to the M4 Road. Forest visitors should call the office nearest their destination for current information before traveling to the forest.
