A wildfire burning in Northern California grew to just over 4,000
The Lucas Fire near the Lake-Mendocino county line was 15% contained as of around 4:20 p.m.
Cal Fire said firefighters faced high temperatures and strong winds on the fire line while trying to protect nearby communities and slow the fire’s spread, which grew to 4,008 acres by Saturday afternoon in the southeast direction. Crews focused on strengthening containment lines Saturday.
The cause remained under investigation.
An evacuation shelter opened Friday evening at the Lake County Fairgrounds’ Fritch Hall at 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. Small animals were being accepted at the fairgrounds in a separate area, and livestock evacuees were instructed to enter through the livestock gate off Estep Drive.
Several temporary traffic control points were active along Highway 20.
The U.S. Forest Service issued an emergency closure for part of the Upper Lake Ranger District in the Mendocino National Forest. The closure includes forest roads, trails and campgrounds in the affected area, including Middle Creek, Penny Pines and Deer Valley campgrounds, as well as several off-highway vehicle trails.
Smoke from the Lucas Fire may affect air quality in Lake County and nearby communities, Cal Fire said.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Lake County from 10 a.m. Saturday through Monday afternoon, warning that gusty winds and low humidity could create critical fire weather conditions.