CALIFORNIA, USA — 5:00 p.m. update:
As residents affected by the fires return home, many have realized their homes and possessions have been destroyed in the flames. Lena Howland shares stories of finding hope amid the rubble in Vacaville's fire ravaged neighborhoods.
Andie Judson reviews Cal Fire's depleted resources in battling California's multiple major wildfires up and down the state.
The agency had deployed 96% of the state's fire engines in the past few days, but are finally receiving some much needed relief as out-of-state resources reach out to help.
2:00 p.m. update:
All evacuation warnings for the city of Healdsburg in Sonoma County have been lifted. Residents of this area can now return safely to their homes.
In Napa County, several evacuation orders were reduced to a warning, though all other orders and warnings remain in effect:
- Silverado Trail south from Deer Park Road to Highway 128 (Sage Canyon Road) to include areas of Fawn Park, Madrone Knolls, Meadowood, Howell Mountain Road including roads of Howell Mountain Road up to and including Conn Valley Road, Taplin Road, Rutherford Hill Road, and Long Ranch Road.
- Highway 128 (Sage Canyon Road) up to Chiles Pope Valley Road.
Read the full updated order here to see which areas are still under an evacuation order.
12:30 a.m. update:
With many people in need of resources in the wake of the complex fires, Solano County OES is advising residents to turn to a new website focused on recovery efforts.
Solano County has created Solanocountyrecovers.org to address the immense loss that some residents are experiencing as they return to destroyed homes and properties.
People returning to their homes are asked to stay cautious and be careful when inspecting any damaged.
Other hazards such as downed power lines and fallen trees can also pose a risk. For a look at what Solano County looks like on the ground, check out this video from the Solano County Sheriff's Office:
11:00 a.m. update:
Cal Fire LNU provided updates on the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. Watch here:
Cal Fire gave some uplifting news on the fire efforts Tuesday morning, saying some areas are already repopulating, while other areas are expecting to have their evacuation orders lifted soon.
Similarly, though resources have been limited since the very beginning of the complex incident outbreak, more resources are incoming, including 12 National Guard hand crews set to arrive sometime this week.
While some parts of the LNU Lightning Complex Fire are secured (illustrated on the map in the video with black lines), other areas still have active fire and some evacuation orders are still in effect for the foreseeable future.
Cal Fire broke down some of the numbers from the complex fires:
LNU Lightning Complex Fire: 352,913 total acres, 27% containment.
- Hennessey Fire (Napa and Lake County): 296,050 acres, 29% containment.
- Walbridge Fire (Sonoma County): 54,503 acres, 17% containment.
- Meyers Fire (Sonoma County): 2,360 acres, 97% containment.
Cal Fire says it is "optimistic" about these numbers. For those looking for resources on the fire, the agency urges people to go Fire.ca.gov and Readyforwildfire.org.
10:00 a.m. update:
Yuba County Sheriff's deputies join the fire fight, aiding nearby Lake County as it continues to battle the blaze from the LNU Lightning Complex Fire.
8:30 a.m. update:
Cal Fire says it expects the weather to cooperate today as it works to contain the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. The fire agency updated the three big fires that make up the complex on Tuesday morning.
Hennessey Fire
The highest priority on the Hennessey Fire is the northwest edge from Calistoga to Middletown, according to Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Chris Waters.
Cal Fire is working to repopulate areas along the southern part of the fire and mopping up along the eastern edge.
Wallbridge Fire
Firefighters are working to box in the Wallbridge Fire and trying to keep it from burning toward the Pacific Ocean.
Firefighters are faced with "real difficult terrain," according to Chief Waters. "Rugged, covered with redwoods and heavy fuels. Also, intermixed with significant numbers of structures."
Meyers Fire
Firefighters are in patrol mode on the Meyers Fire looking for hotspots. Crews have been able to reopen Highway 1.
Original Story:
The LNU Lightning Complex Fire has now grown to 352,913 acres, even as firefighters continue to contain more of the blaze. The fire grew about 1,000 acres overnight and containment is at 27% as of Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.
The number of buildings destroyed by the fire is now up to 937, with another 251 buildings damaged. Thousands of people are still under evacuation orders and warnings, as Cal Fire estimates 30,500 buildings are still threatened by the flames.
The fire is burning in five counties in Northern California, including Napa County, Sonoma County, Solano County, Lake County and Yolo County.
The LNU Lightning Complex fire is currently the third-largest fire in California's history. Cal Fire Chief Sean Kavanaugh said in a briefing on Monday, "we are starting to get a lot of resources in."
The resources to fight the fire include nearly 2,200 people, 12 helicopters, 41 dozers, 304 engines and 50 water tenders. Cal Fire notes that air resources have been stretched thin because of multiple fires burning in California.
The LNU Lightning Complex is made up of several fires.
At 296,050 acres, the Hennessey Fire is the biggest of the fires that make up the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. Crews have the Hennessey Fire 29% contained.
The Wallbridge Fire burning west of Healdsburg is at 54,503 acres and is 17% contained. Meanwhile, the Meyers Fire, north of Jenner, is at 2,360 acres and is 97% contained.
Cal Fire tweeted updated evacuation information on Tuesday morning.