LOS ANGELES – Firefighters battling the devastating “Rocky Fire” in Northern California brought the blaze under 40 percent containment on Thursday morning, the CalFIRE agency reported.
The massive fire, which began July 29, has already burned 69,660 acres in Lake, Yolo and Colusa Counties in the northern part of the state. More than 13,000 area residents remain under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders.
Ninety-six structures have been completely destroyed by the fast-moving blaze, including more than 40 homes. Nearly 7,000 structures remain directly threatened by the wildfire.
Firefighters had hoped forecasted cooler temperatures and higher humidity would aid them in battling the blaze, but CalFIRE warned Thursday that the fire is far from total containment.
“A history of high temperatures, low humidity, changing winds and poor overnight recovery continue to contribute to the future possibility of significant fire activity,” the agency said. “Firefighters continue to work aggressively to build control lines and sustain perimeter control. Barring further fire spread, damage inspections are complete.”
The agency urged residents to remain “vigilant” and pay attention to any changes in evacuation order status.
More than 3,500 fire personnel are working to bring the blaze under control. Investigators are still determining its cause.
Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency as more than a dozen wildfires burned across California.
“California’s severe drought and extreme weather have turned much of the state into a tinderbox,” Brown said in a statement. “Our courageous firefighters are on the front lines and we’ll do everything we can to help them.”
Nearly 11,000 firefighters were working to battle 19 active wildfires across the state as of Wednesday.
For the Rocky Fire, mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas:
Jerusalem Valley area east and west of Soda Creek, Bonham Rd, Double Eagle Ranch, Quarter Horse Ln, New Long Valley Road, homes along Highway 20 corridor between New Long Valley Road and east of the county line, Mustang Court, Bronco Court, Sunset Court, Morgan Valley east of Bonham Rd, Canyon Rd, June Bug Rd, Cantwell Ranch Rd, Sloan Ranch Rd, Sky High Ranch Rd, Rocky Creek Rd, Dam Rd from the gate to the dam, Grizzly Canyon, Long Branch Drive, Lance Rd, Cougar Rd, Red Rocks, Meridian Rd, Antelope Rd, Mule Skinner Rd, Flint Look Place, Moccasin Rd, Roundball Rd, Watertrough Rd, Grigsby Canyon, Lucky Canyon, Remington Canyon, Walker Ridge, Walker Ridge Rd, No Guns Rd, Meriann Drive, Bear Valley Rd from Highway 20 to Wilbur Springs Rd, Wilbur Springs Rd and Morgan Valley Rd X Butte Creek Rd, Ogulin County Rd and Spring Valley, Paradise Canyon, New Long Valley Rd, Old Long Valley Rd, Salt Canyon, Indian Hill Rd, Flaming Hills Ln, Benmore Canyon, Red Rock Rd, Red Rock Court, Round Mountain Rd North West of Highway 22, Fern Way, Juniper Way, Holly Way, Golden Red Way, Shasta Rd, Cougar Rd, Jeep Trail, Smith Ln, Pueblo Trail, Quail Trail, Ogulin Canyon Rd, Meadow Creek Rd, Cache Creek Rd, Wolf Creek Rd, Spring Valley Rd, Riverview Rd, Rocky Ridge, Chalk Mountain Rd, Lakeview Campground, Cache Creek Winery, Noggle Winery, Elm Way, Dogwood, Cedar, Blue Berry, Acacia Way, Acacia Street, Doe Trail, Madrone Way, Peach Way, Quince Way, Redwood Way, Sequoia Way, Tamarack Way, Weeping Willow Way, Yucca Way, Coyote Way, Elk Way and Fox Way.
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