The Mendocino Complex Fire, which is on track to become the largest wildfire in California’s history, has destroyed 75 homes. Officials say the Ranch and River Fire continue to threaten more than 9,000 in Mendocino, Lake, and Colusa Counties.
As of Monday morning, CAL FIRE reports the Mendocino Complex has consumed nearly 274,000 acres. It’s been more than a week since thousands of Lake County residents were forced out of their homes. Those who stayed behind say they’re getting tired of not knowing when things will go back to normal.
”It’s a definite back and forth as to whether I should stay or go,” said one Nice resident, who’s been keeping an eye on the fire since it started burning on July 27.
Meanwhile, Ricky Adams from the Spring Valley community says he hasn’t been able to sleep since evacuating his recently remodeled home Friday. Adams was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief Monday after learning his home remains untouched by the flames.
“I don’t know what to say. I just feel good. My home is still here,” Adams added.
This past weekend’s windy weather had Janice Smith worried her home wouldn’t make it.
“Saturday night was pretty scary,” said Smith, who’s called Lucerne home for 40 years.
“The fire was coming over and I didn’t see anybody trying to stop it, but you don’t know what’s happening over there, so you don’t know that they’re not stopping it,” Smith said.
CAL FIRE says firefighters are working tirelessly to keep the flames out of the Clearlake Oaks, Glenhaven, Lucerne, Nice, and the other at-risk communities. Crews spent Monday providing structure protection and strengthening dozer lines.
Officials anticipate to have the fire fully contained by August 15.
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