COLUSA COUNTY — The pair of blazes burning off Highway 16 in the Rumsey Canyon area grew nearly 3,000 acres Thursday night.
The fires, collectively known as the “16 Complex,” reached 12,500 acres, CAL FIRE reported Friday morning. The incident remains 20 percent contained.
The fires, which started for unknown reasons Tuesday afternoon, continue to burn northward and threaten the Cortina Rancheria as well as the intersection of highways 20 and 16 in Colusa County.
The burning areas are a mix of grass, brush and oak woodland in steep, rugged terrain.
An advisory evacuation warning is in effect for the Cortina Rancheria, and efforts are in progress to protect structures and cultural resources there, according to CAL FIRE.
Firefighters made progress Thursday night constructing fire lines and determining strategic locations to access the fires, CAL FIRE stated.
Operations Friday will include burning out areas of unburned fuel within the control lines. Smoke will be visible in the fire area, CAL FIRE stated.
Currently, 23 homes, one commercial property and seven outbuildings are threatened. Three undisclosed injuries were reported. More than 1,250 fire personnel responded Friday.
Highway 16 is closed from Highway 20 to the town of Rumsey. Drivers should use an alternate route.
