Updated 5:48 p.m.
A break from the extreme heat aided the efforts of firefighters in recent days, but wildfires continue to rapidly grow across Northern California, severing rural highways.
In the North State:
· The 13,300 acre Fork Complex near Hayfork and Peanut has destroyed eight buildings. Parts of State Routes 3 and 36 are closed. Evacuation orders throughout the area remain in place.
· To the west, the South Complex near Hyampom has burnt close to 14,000 acres. It’s three percent contained. Evacuations have been ordered for Skunk Ranch, the Corral Bottom area and the end of Kerlin Creek Road.
· Farther North, the River Complex has grown to nearly 14,000 acres. It’s threatening the communities of Denny and Trinity Village north of State Route 299.
· And To the southwest, the 14,000 acre Route Complex is 2 percent contained. Some service roads are closed in the vicinity. South of there, the nearly 16,000 acre Mad River Complex of fires is 10 percent contained, with flames flanking Ruth Lake on both sides.
Elsewhere in California:
· Scores of fires have burnt nearly 4,000 acres near the Humboldt-Trinity County line. Six people have been injured by what’s being called the Humboldt Lightning Complex. It’s forced the closure of State Route 36 from the county line to Highway 3. More than 1,200 firefighters, backed by 10 helicopters are battling the blaze.
· The Lowell Fire in Nevada and Placer Counties west of Alta is 95 percent contained. 54 structures remain threatened, but all evacuation orders have been lifted.
· The Wragg Fire is 98 percent contained.
For up-to-date information on California wildfires, visit the state or federal wildfire websites.