Public Information
530-487-4602
2020.augustcomplex@firenet.gov


WILLOWS, Calif – Aug. 30, 2020 – The August Complex currently sits at 221,284 acres and 18 percent containment. There are 607 resources committed to the Complex including: 10 crews, one camp crew, six helicopters, 37 engines, 16 dozers, 26 water tenders, and three masticators. The Hull, Doe, Tatham, and Glade fires have merged in various areas of the complex to form one large fire. The south end of Hull (10,198 acres; 10 percent contained) and Doe fires (172,256 acres; 59 percent contained) are contained following a burnout operation in the area of the M1 road to Rattlesnake Creek drainage. Firefighters will monitor and patrol the line in today’s operations. With northern movement on the Hull fire, firefighters will work along the M1 road to Bald Mountain for a burnout operation Sunday or Monday. Dozers will work from Bald Mountain to tie in containment lines with the Black Butte River while hand crews move north along the river to tie in with the road system in the area.

Crews will work on the northern perimeter of the Glade fire (20,633 acres; 0 percent contained) from Government Flat and Green Springs to the M2 road, moving east. Structure protection and line construction continue on the Tatham fire (11,549 acres; 9 percent contained). Conditions and weather permitting, helicopters will be used on the north perimeter of the complex.

Smoke production is likely to continue which will result in poor air quality. Additional smoke may impact the area as fire activity increases in the afternoon and as smoke settles into drainages in the evening.

Mendocino National Forest officials updated the area closure for the August Complex on Saturday, August 29, 2020. The Forest Order 08-20-11 and map are posted on the forest website: https://tinyurl.com/yy56h496.

Daily updates and the virtual community meeting can be found on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page, located at: www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF.

The most up to date information on the August Complex can be found on InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

Public Information
(530) 487-4602
2020.augustcomplex@firenet.gov

WILLOWS, Calif – Aug. 29, 2020 – The August Complex was initially 37 different fires on the Mendocino National Forest that started on August 17, 2020. Many have been contained or have merged to form larger fires. Currently, the complex is 215,588 acres and 18 percent contained. Planned suppression actions are detailed below. Actual acreage is subject to change as fire activity progresses throughout the day.

The Hull, Doe and Glade fires are still expected to join together in the coming days. The eastern and southern perimeter of the Doe fire (168,360 acres; 52 percent containment) are contained and remain in patrol status. On the Glade fire (20,633 acres; 0 percent contained), there is still activity in all directions, particularly on the northern perimeter. Crews are working to build containment line to the east and are conducting tactical burnout operations on the western perimeter as the fire approaches the M2 road. The Hull fire (9,303 acres; 5 percent contained) is expected to be improved on the southern end by the afternoon. As the fire advances towards structures, firefighters will provide structure protection within the Lee Logan Camp. The Tatham fire (10,679 acres; 9 percent contained) has increased in intensity and joined the Doe fire near the Keating Camp. Crews are working to contain the north end of the fire along the M2 road but are scouting alternate containment lines closer to the active fire perimeter. The Hopkins fire in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness has spread onto the Shasta Trinity National Forest where suppression actions are being conducted.

Weather conditions are expected to remain hot and dry, with triple digit heat predicted at lower elevations. The fire will continue to burn actively as the weather becomes warmer and dryer over the weekend. The anticipated uptick in fire activity will increase smoke production. This will result in poor air quality and make it difficult to fly aircraft supporting firefighters in suppression efforts.  

Mendocino National Forest officials updated the area closure for the August Complex on Saturday, August 29, 2020. The Forest Order 08-20-11 and map are posted on the forest website: https://tinyurl.com/yy56h496.  

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. pacific time on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page, located at: www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF.

The most up to date information on the August Complex can be found on InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

August Complex Virtual Community Meeting

August 29, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. pacific time.  

Livestreamed through the Mendocino National Forest Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF

Or To Join By Phone:
888-844-9904; 3096536#

Public Information:

(530) 487-4602

2020.augustcomplex@firenet.gov

WILLOWS, Calif – Aug. 28, 2020 – The August Complex was initially 37 different fires on the Mendocino National Forest that started on August 17, 2020. Many have been contained or have merged to form larger fires. Currently, the complex is 212,010 acres and 18 percent contained. Planned suppression actions are detailed below. 

On the Doe Fire, (172,327 acres; 31 percent contained), multiple resources are working the northern perimeter of the fire in cooperation with Crane Mills Timber to hold the fire along the M2 road. The fire has held from Green Springs to Buck Rock, and crews are clearing line down to Glade Flat. The Doe Fire perimeter is currently not impacting Jenks Place as the fire is holding along the M17 road. South of Jenks Place, the fire is backing down the ridge and will likely stop at the Eel River.

The Doe Fire is expected to join with the Glade Fire (20,001 acres, 0 percent contained) in the coming days. Firefighters conducted structure protection actions within the area of Dead Mule and crews are continuing to construct fire containment lines. On the Tatham Fire (9,050  acres; 11 percent contained) firefighters are working with CAL FIRE and Crane Mills Timber to construct a containment line completely around its perimeter. Crews are working to tie in to containment lines on the Glade Fire (20,001 acres; 0 percent contained) to the M2 road.

The Hull Fire (6,020 acres; 5 percent contained), made a push to the north Thursday toward the M61 Road, and the Hull Fire and the Doe Fire are expected to join in the coming days Firefighters are constructing containment lines along the southern perimeter. Fire activity has not progressed further to the south. Several fires located in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness continue to be actively monitored.

Mendocino National Forest officials implemented an area closure for the August Complex on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. The Forest Order 08-20-10 and map are posted on the forest website: https://tinyurl.com/y4ln8ysr.  

The most up to date information on the August Complex can be found on InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

WILLOWS, Calif. — Aug. 27, 2020 — The August Complex started August 17 and is 17% contained at 200,465 acres. Due to the number of fires, the number of resources assigned to the incident and the conditions experienced thus far, it may take weeks for fire crews to construct and reinforce firelines and reach 100 containment on the fires in the Complex.

The Forest issued an area closure (Forest Order 08-20-10) on August 21 to ensure people do not enter this hazardous fire area. The closure was implemented to keep the public safe and the firefighters safe while they are working to protect property and contain the fires. There is no access into the closure area until forest officials determine it is safe to do so. We do not know exactly when that will be. Until then, we will continue to post as much information as we can every day, host virtual meetings and answer your questions to the best of our ability.

There are a lot of private inholdings located with the Mendocino National Forest in proximity to the fires in the Complex. Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson, says, “We understand that these properties are very important to the owners who have had them in their families for decades. We recognize that people are nervous about the fires and are wondering whether their property will still be there after the fires, but right now, it is too dangerous to enter the closure area.”

We ask for your patience and cooperation as we continue to work hard to contain the fires in the Complex. Any questions about access to private property within the closed area can be directed to (530) 934-3316.

###

Public Information Officer Contact:
Amy Travis
530-934-6441
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Glenn County August Complex Fires August 27th Update

Glenn County Sheriff’s Office – Office of Emergency Services, in coordination with Cal-Fire and US Forest Service, has jointly reviewed and determined it is appropriate to reduce the evacuation areas near the August Complex Fires in western Glenn County.

   The Evacuation Order has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning for:

• Area of Newville (County Rd 200) from County Road 306, west to Forest Boundary. From Tehama County Line, south to County Road 200.

Residents in this area may return to their homes, however, should remain alert and prepared to evacuate should conditions change. Residents should use extreme caution on the roadways as they are reopened. Hazards may be present.

The Evacuation Order for Mendocino National Forest (Forest Closure, from Forest Boundary line in Glenn County, west to Mendocino County) will remain in place.

Evacuation Order Area is closed to non-responders. Residents and recreators should remain out of this area and should not return until the Order is removed.

Roadways Partial Reopen

• County Rd 200: from County Rd 306 to west to Forest Boundary is reopened to residents but will remain closed to non-resident traffic.
• County Rd 307, 308, 309, and 313: from County Rd 306 to Forest Boundary – Remain closed to non-resident traffic

(530) 487-4602

2020.augustcomplex@firenet.gov

WILLOWS, Calif – Aug. 27, 2020 – The August Complex was initially 37 different fires on the Mendocino National Forest that started on August 17, 2020. Many have been contained or have merged to form larger fires. Currently, the complex is 200,467 acres and 17 percent contained. Planned suppression actions are detailed below.

On all staffed fires within the complex, firefighters are continuing to work on structure protection, line construction and targeted burn out operations. Firefighters have contained the spread of the Doe fire (162,326 acres, 31 percent contained) on the east side of the fire and are constructing containment line on the west side along the M4 road. Firefighters are working with CALFIRE and Crane Mills Timber to construct containment line completely around the Tatham Fire (8,958 acres, 11 percent contained) and tie in to containment lines on the Glade Fire (19,684 acres, 0 percent contained). On the Hull Fire (4,885, 5 percent contained), firefighters are constructing containment lines on the south end of the fire and are utilizing natural features to contain fire spread to the north. Fires in the wilderness continue to be monitored and have exhibited moderate fire growth.

One of the individuals assigned to the August Complex is an Incident Meteorologist from the National Weather Service. This person prepares a detailed forecast for different areas within the fire complex so that firefighters can stay informed. The weather will continue to be hot and dry. Continued low relative humidity will cause grasses and vegetation to become drier. In the fire weather environment, the early afternoon hours are the most volatile time of day when increased temperatures can intensify fire behavior. Air Quality Index conditions will remain unhealthy from wildfires across the region.

Mendocino National Forest officials implemented an area closure for the August Complex on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. The Forest Order 08-20-10 and map are posted on the forest website: https://tinyurl.com/y4ln8ysr

The Southern Area Blue Team assumed command of the August Complex at 7 a.m. today.

The most up to date information on the August Complex can be found on InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/

The August Complex was initially 37 different lightning-started fires on the Mendocino National Forrest that started on August 17, 2020. Many have been contained or have merged to form larger fires. The largest fires are detailed below. The acreage of specific fires in the complex may shift as firefighters are able to adequately ground truth the Infrared Reconnaissance (IR) flights and other aviation data.

A Red Flag Warning continues to be in effect through 11pm tonight due to continuing risk of thunderstorms. Gusty outflow winds with speeds of more than 40 mph remain possible. These winds have the potential to produce extreme and erratic fire behavior with a high rate of spread. Crews are continuing to use preexisting fuel breaks and roads to get around the South edge of the Doe fire (153,083 acres) with available resources. Structure protection continues on the west side of the fire when fire behavior allows. Structure protection and preparation consists of firefighters removing fuels around structures and improving defensible space. Firefighters are continuing to construct dozer lines on Tatham fire (7,958 acres) and are working with CAL FIRE resources to contain the eastern flank. Crews are continuing to go direct on the northern and western flanks of the Glade fire (13,888 acres). The Incident Management Team is assessing wilderness fires, such as the Hopkins fire (2,153 acres), for long term fire behavior and expected growth.

Smoke impacts to communities are expected to improve towards the afternoon or evening. The predicted increase in fire activity may increase the smoke coming into the area.  Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions will remain unhealthy. Individuals can expect greater movement and dispersion of smoke with incoming thunderstorms.

Engines: 32

Helicopters:3

Bulldozers: 5
Water Tenders: 11

Air Tankers: 0

Overhead Personnel: 153

Crews: 7                   
Total Personnel: 433

PRESS RELEASE

GLENN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

RICHARD L. WARREN, JR.                                                                                                                                                JASON A. DAHL

Sheriff/Coroner                                                                                                               Undersheriff

Director O.E.S.                                                                                                                                   Deputy Director O.E.S

AMY TRAVIS

Deputy Director O.E.S

Public Information Officer Contact:                                                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Amy Travis                                                                                          Date: August 20, 2020

530-934-6441

Glenn County August Complex Fires August 20th Evening Update

The August Complex Fires in western Glenn County are managed by both US Forest Service and Cal- Fire. Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the fire agencies, are modifying the current evacuation areas to as follows effective immediately:

EVACUATION ORDER:

n    Mendocino National Forest (Forest Closure)

o   From Forest Boundary line in Glenn County, west to Mendocino County

n    Area of Newville (County Rd 200) from County Road 306, west to Forest Boundary

o   From Tehama County Line, south to Burrows gap

Evacuation Order Area is closed to non-responders. Residents should leave the area and should not return until the area the Order is removed.

EVACUATION WARNING:

·       Area of Burrows Gap south to County Road 308 in Elk Creek

o   From the Forest Boundary East to County Road 306

n    This includes the communities of Elk Creek, Chrome, and Grindstone Rancheria

·       Newville from County Road 306 East to Black Butte Lake

o   From Country Road 200 south to Burrows Gap

Residents in an Evacuation Warning Area may return to their homes, however, should remain alert and prepared should the conditions change.

County Road 306 is CLOSED to non-resident traffic. Responders and residents are the only people permitted to use this roadway at this time.

Road Closures

• SR 162: East of County Rd 306 (open to residents & responders only)

• County Rd 306: South of County Rd 308 to Colusa County line (closed to non-responders)

The August Complex is comprised of 35 fires that were started by lightning across the Mendocino National Forest. The Complex grew to 116,372 acres last night. Firefighters were facing light down slope winds, continuous fuels and very dry fuels that kept the fire active.  Structures and powerlines are being threatened.  Many of the homes and summer cabins have been evacuated within the perimeter of the forest. Firefighters will be focusing on the eastside of the fire today going direct where possible, while protecting structures and private property.

Glenn County Sheriff’s Office (contact OES 530-934-6441) has the following evacuations and road closures in place:

Evacuation ORDER

Evacuation Order for All Areas west of County Road 306. Full length of the County from Tehama County line in the north to Colusa County line in the South. All areas west to the Mendocino County line.

Evacuation Warning

• Evacuation Warning for the area of Newville from County Road 306 along County Road 200 to Black Butte Lake.

• Evacuation Warning for Grindstone Rancheria.

  • Residents should be prepared to evacuate.

Road Closures

• SR 162: East of County Rd 306

• County Rd 306:  from County Rd 303 to north

• County Rd 306: from County Rd 200 to south

• County Rd 200: from County Rd 306 to west

• County Rd 308: from County Rd 306 to West End

Temporary Evacuation Point is located at Willows City Hall, 201 N. Lassen St. Willows CA