STONYFORD — Fire crews battling the Mill Fire in the Colusa County portion of the Mendocino National Forest continued to gain control Tuesday.
The fire is 75-percent contained and is estimated to be fully contained Wednesday, according to the Northern California Incident Management Team 2 (NorCal Team 2). The fire burned 29,552 acres at a cost of $12.1 million since it began July 7. The cause is under investigation. Four injuries were reported, though not specified. Five outbuildings were destroyed.
A total of 965 personnel are battling the blaze. On July 11, CAL FIRE entered into Unified Command of the fire with NorCal Team 2.
Burning operations are complete and the fire was successfully held above Goat Mountain Road, according to NorCal Team 2. Operations Tuesday consisted of constructing 1.5 miles of direct handline near Gilmore Ridge to secure the fire”s edge above the road. Crews will staff the area, watching for any spots and keeping fire activity in check.
Firefighters will continue to secure containment lines around the entire fire perimeter, extinguish hot spots from the fire”s edge as well as 300 to 500 feet inside the lines and patrol the incident. Fire repair efforts began around the fire. Crews are assessing hand and dozer lines for repair and constructing water bars to prevent erosion.
A public meeting is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Stonyford Grange Hall.
A low-pressure system centered over Northern California Tuesday brought clouds, cooler temperatures and higher humidity to the region. The system was not expected to bring rainfall to the fire area. Partly cloudy skies and light, variable winds were expected.
Voluntary evacuations and advisories for Century Ranch, Lakeview Loop and the west side of Stonyford-Lodoga Road between Stonyford and Goat Mountain were lifted Tuesday.
Goat Mountain Road remains closed while fire crews work on the narrow road. Falling debris may make travel along the road dangerous. Residents will be notified when operations are complete and the road is reopened.
Archery season for deer hunting is open. A closure order remains in effect for the fire area. Hunters who traditionally visit the recreation area outside Stonyford on the south central portion of the Grindstone Ranger District will be affected by the closure.
A closure order remains in effect for the Mendocino National Forest for all roads and trails in the recreation area. More information on the closures can be found on the Mendocino National Forest”s website at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.
The Bureau of Reclamation closed East Park Reservoir in Colusa County to recreational activities because of safety concerns, which include air quality and emergency vehicles operating in the area.
Evacuations remain in effect for Fouts Springs, Bonnie View and Board Camp Springs, as well as campgrounds within the Upper Letts Lake area.
Fouts Springs Road (M10 Road) is closed at Stonyford. Goat Mountain Road is closed at Stonyford-Lodoga Road.
