Firefighters battered the Elk Fire into a standstill on Thursday, preventing any further advancement and extending containment to 30 percent as of 8 p.m.
The fire, located near Elk Mountain Road north and east of Upper Lake, had consumed 670 as of press time.
Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service reported solid progress throughout the day. Cal Fire withdrew the four air tankers that smothered the perimeter on Wednesday, relying upon helicopters, hand crews and trucks.
Fire teams extended containment from the overnight mark of 25 percent, despite periods when winds kicked up. By mid afternoon, crews had been detailed to mop up hotspots near the fire line in order to dull any flare ups.
The Elk Fire has tamed significantly since it erupted just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Sparked by a lawnmower according to initial, unconfirmed scanner reports, it quickly rushed over 600 acres in size. Wednesday night reports setting the blaze at approximately 450 acres were revised upward after a more accurate mapping patrol.
Since determining the perimeter early on Thursday morning, the fire has not budged — at least as of press time.
Mandatory evacuations were lifted late on Wednesday night and most road in the area are now open to general traffic.
On Thursday evening 21 engines, 7 bulldozers, 4 helicopters and 270 men and women were committed to the fight.
Cal Fire reported that crews will continue to extend containment. They asked motorists to use caution in the fire zone.
