Heavy Smoke Helps Crews Battling Massive August Complex Of Fires

Vast areas of Glenn County are under evacuation orders. The August Complex of at least 35 fires northwest of Willows have exploded in size to an estimated combined 117,365 acres. Thursday’s heavy smoke actually helped slow the growth as it created an inversion layer and dropped the ambient temperature. An evacuation order was expanded Wednesday afternoon to include virtually the entire western part of Glenn County. Staffing is an issue, with only 353 personnel on scene for the massive operation. The Forest Service is reporting 6% overall containment.