CA-MNF- Soda Complex - 8,652 acres - 90%

Soda Complex - Wildand Fires - 8,652 acres - 90%

Evacuation Order Lifted

Incident: Soda Complex: Wildland Fire
Released: 1:03 hrs. ago
Soda Complex News Release

··For immediate release··

July 23, 2008

On Scene Contact: Marc Peebles, Fire Information Officer

Soda Complex Fire Information Center (707) 275-2017

Evacuation Order Lifted

Upper Lake, CA- Effective at 6:00pm today Wednesday July 23, 2008 the evacuation order in place for Seven residences located between Deadmans Flat and Sunset Gap near the east flank of the fire has been lifted.

Forest road 20N04 and areas around the immediate fire area are open to residents but remain closed to the general public due to the large amount of fire equipment traveling in and out of the area. Residents returning to the area are advised to use caution when driving.

"We understand that being evacuated from a fire area is a very stressful and inconvenient event". We appreciate the residents patience and understanding as firefighters worked to make the area safe for their return over the past several days" said Incident Commander Dave Fiorella of the USFS (Southern California Incident Management Team #3.

WATER TENDER DRAFTING ON THE LAKE
Lake Pillsbury
Credit: Unknown/Inciweb

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Saturday June 21st, 2008 aprox 12:55 PM
Location 15 miles Northwest of Upper Lake
Approximate GPS Location 39.375 latitude, -122.976 longitude

Incident Commander Dave Fiorella
Current Situation
Total Personnel 860
Size 8,652 acres
Percent Contained 90%
Estimated Containment Date Saturday July 26th, 2008 aprox 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved
Timber (litter and understory) - The Mill Fire is burning primarily in 6+ foot Chaparral, Oak Woodlands, Grass, Timber, and mixed Conifer
Fire Behavior
Creeping surface fire.
Significant Events
A supression rehab group has been established for the complex. Crews continued to make good progress around the slop over and spot fires in Dvisions K and Y and continue to put in hoselays for mop up. Type 1 Crews continued holding operations along steep terrain in Divisions K and Y. (southeast/northeast portion)
Outlook
Planned Actions
Mill Fire: Division Y crews will secure and hold line from H-21 to the K/Y break, mop up slop over 100% and continue to mop up 200' in. Division K crews will secure and hold line from the K/L break to the K/Y break and begin mop up 300' in. Division X crews will continue to hold line and mop up 400' in.
Monkey Rock, Big and Back Fires: Patrolled by air. Initial attack group will continue to be prepared to respond to intial attack incidents in Upper Lake Ranger District. Rehab group will begin rehab work on Division J of the Mill Fire.
Growth Potential - Medium
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme
Remarks

Fires in priority order: Mill, Monkey Rock, Big, Back. - Mill Fire is estimated at 3043 acres with 85% containment (est containment 7/26)
Monkey Rock Fire is 1829 acres and was contained on 7/14/08.
Big Fire is 2193 acres and was contained on 7/5/08.
Back Fire is 1567 acres and was contained on 6/29/08.
The Mill Fire continues to have the potential to spot and spread into steep and rugged terrain.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 5-8 mph NW
Current Temperature 65 degrees
Current Humidity 45 %

CONTACT:
Fire Information: Phone: (707) 275-2017
Mendocino National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
825 N. Humboldt Avenue
Willows, CA 95988