US: Mendocino Complex Fires (California) forces new evacuations August 3 /update 1

Event

Lake County Sheriff's Office issued new mandatory evacuation orders at 10:30 (local time) on Friday, August 3, for the towns of Lucerne, Glenhaven, and Clearlake Oaks as the dual fires known as the "Mendocino Complex Fires" continue to spread in northern California's Mendocino and Lake counties. A Red Flag Warning was also issued by the National Weather Service from 23:00 Friday until 23:00 Saturday, August 4. High temperatures, gusty winds up to 56 km/h (35 mph), and low humidity are expected for the weekend, all conditions that may exacerbate the fires and help them to spread.

The Ranch Fire started near Potter Valley and now exceeds 46,500 hectares (115,000 acres) and is 28 percent contained. The River Fire that began near Hopland is 17,000 hectares (42,200 acres) and 50 percent contained. As of Friday, 41 homes were destroyed by the complex fires and 9,200 structures are at risk. The combined size of the Mendocino Complex. Up-to-date information can be found on the CalFire website.

Context

The River and Ranch fires both started on Friday, July 27. Wildfires are common in California from May through November. A Red Flag Warning means a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures create ideal fire weather conditions.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.