How to resolve AdBlock issue? NORTH COAST, Calif. – The activity of the Lodge Complex near Laytonville increased on Friday, necessitating evacuations in the fire area.
Since lightning sparked the complex of fires last week in the Wilderness Lodge and Eel River Canyon area of Mendocino County, it has burned 5,400 acres and is 30-percent contained, Cal Fire reported.
Cal Fire said Friday evening that conditions resulted in an evacuation order being issued for the area around the eastern boundary of the Lodge Fire near Camp Seabow, Elder Place, Tan Oak Park, Bald Mountain Ranch, Mad Creek and Elk Creek east of Brush Mountain.
Residents of those areas were told to leave the area immediately due to the threat. Officials said the Red Cross established an evacuation center at Leggett Valley School.
Thirty-five structures are threatened by the fire, which Cal Fire said is continuing to burn in heavy timber and steep terrain.
On Friday fire activity increased in the Hogshed drainage and moved to the Brush mountain dozer line, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire officials reported Friday night that a total of eight firefighters have been injured while working on the incident so far.
Structure defense preparation continues near populated areas, and Cal Fire said firefighters are making progress in constructing fire line across the northern and southern boundaries of the complex.
The resources on the scene have continued to grow, with Cal Fire reporting that 1,889 personnel, 163 fire engines, 39 fire crews, 31 bulldozers, 15 helicopters and 31 water tenders were assigned to the incident.
Suppression costs so far are estimated at $11 million, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said community meetings will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in Leggett and 5 p.m. in Laytonville.
The fire continues to put out a large amount of smoke, and it's the source of a significant layer of smoke and haze that has appeared over Lake County this week, according to Lake County Air Quality Management District.
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