MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – On Thursday, firefighters made progress raising containment on the Eel fire, which began on Tuesday.

The fire is located 10 miles east of Covelo on the Mendocino National Forest’s Covelo ranger district.

Forest spokeswoman Punky Moore said that on Thursday containment increased from 5 to 25 percent. The fire’s estimated size is reported at 1,000 acres.

There are 143 resources assigned to the incident including two crews, 20 engines, one dozer and five water tenders. No additional critical resources are needed, according to Incident Commander Dale Shippelhoute.

Potential north winds in the forecast could push the fire towards Forest Highway 7 and structures along the road, Moore said.

Moore said Forest Highway 7 is open but travelers need to be aware that conditions could change quickly.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been implemented for the M1 Road from Eel River station to Indian Dick Station, she said.

Forty residences are threatened by fire spread, and Moore said three have been destroyed.

Moore said the fire’s cause is under investigation.