California’s Lucas Fire near Mendocino National Forest grows; evacuations remain
By Tim Fang
The Lucas Fire burning near the Mendocino-Lake County line grew to over 4,000 acres on Saturday and evacuation orders remained in place.
As of about 7:19 p.m., the fire had burned 4,008 was 15% contained, according to Cal Fire. The wildfire started Thursday near Potter Valley.
Cal Fire said Saturday’s efforts include focusing on strengthening containment lines amid a red flag warning from the National Weather Service. The warining is in effect for Lake County and other parts of Northern California from 11 a.m. Saturday through 11 a.m. Monday due to gusty winds and low humidity.
Mandatory evacuations were in effect for the following zones:
Lake County:
• MNF-E016
• MNF-E018
• MNF-E019
• UPP-E023
• UPP-E025
• UPP-E026
• UPP-E027
• UPP-E030
Mendocino County
• MEN-2POT08-B
Lucas Fire evacuation map:
Meanwhile, evacuation warnings were issued for the following zones:
Lake County
• MNF-E012
• MNF-E013
• MNF-E015
• MNF-E017
• MNF-E021
• UPP-E028
• UPP-E031
• UPP-E032
• UPP-E035
• UPP-E038
Mendocino County
• MEN-2POT08-A
• MEN-2UKV28
A temporary evacuation point and animal evacuation shelter were established at the Lake County Fairgrounds’ Baldwin Pavilion in Lakeport.
U.S. Forest Service officials issued an emergency closure for a portion of the Upper Lake Ranger District in the Mendocino National Forest.
“Area closure impacts include all National Forest system roads, trails, and campgrounds beginning at the forest boundary where it intersects Forest Road 16N30 along Sam Alley Ridge. The closure area continues east to the intersection with 16N30 and 16N01, then north along the 16N01 and north along the M1 (Elk Mountain Rd.) until it intersects with 17N99 Rd. (McCreary Glade). The closure area continues west along 17N99 Rd until the forest boundary,” forest officials said.
A local emergency was in response to the fire, which will support the response and coordination efforts.
Highway 20 was also closed at Bachelor Valley Road, Witter Springs Road and Saratoga Springs Road.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
