COVELO — The North Pass Fire burning in northeastern Mendocino County gained additional ground Tuesday.
The fire, which started about 2:45 a.m. Aug. 18 as a result of a lightning strike, burned 35,270 acres and is 32-percent contained as of Tuesday morning. The fire spread into portions of the Mendocino National Forest (MNF) and command of the incident is being shared by CAL FIRE and forest officials.
Four homes, seven buildings and a fire engine were destroyed, with about 74 homes, 77 outbuildings and five commercial properties still threatened. Three injuries were reported.
Mandatory evacuations are still in place for portions of Indian Dick Road, Mendocino Pass Road and Blands Cove Road, including nearby campgrounds and trail heads within the MNF.
About 1,700 fire personnel are battling the blaze, which is anticipated to continue spreading north and east into the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness as well as south. Firefighters expect to continue to establish and improve containment lines while defending structures, according to CAL FIRE.
