MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest officials said that at least 20 fires caused by lightning on Sunday are now burning on the forest and are being managed as one incident.

The August Complex is composed of at least 20 fires, ranging from one-tenth acre to 2,000 acres, with more fires anticipated to surface, forest officials reported.

A California Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the complex and is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.

Several of the fires in the August Complex spread rapidly and gained ground on Monday, officials said.

The Doe fire, by Valley View Orchard 35 miles northwest of Willows, grew to approximately 2,000 acres and became established in Bear Canyon. The forest said about 100 personnel are assigned to the Doe.

On Monday evening suppression efforts were hampered by thunder cells and strong winds Monday afternoon on two fires west of Elk Creek: Rockwell and Pine Kop.

The Rockwell Fire is estimated at 400 acres and the Pine Kop is estimated at 750 acres, officials reported. These fires are 0-percent contained and have crews and engines committed.

The Box fire in the Snow Mountain Wilderness had minimal growth and stands at 25 acres. The Box is staffed by smokejumpers and aircraft, officials said.

Meanwhile, officials said several other small fires have been contained and will be monitored and patrolled.

Forest officials said they will be implementing a closure for firefighter and public safety on the M9 Road from the forest boundary west to the M4 Road.

Forest visitors should call the office nearest their destination for current information before traveling to the forest.