UKIAH — The Oregon Department of Forestry reported resources shifted from containing the south side of the Battle Mountain Complex of fires near Ukiah to the northern half.

The fire continues to burn on the north side, mostly in Swale, Ditch, Gilbert and Potamus drainages, ODF reported in an update Sunday, Aug. 11. While containment lines are holding, these drainages are challenging. Crews are continuing to extinguish hot spots near the containment line to reduce the chance of spread to the north.

At the same time, they are working on back-up lines and preparing several national forest system roads, including the 2105 and 040 roads, in the event they may be needed.

This effort is to further protect wildlife habitat and an important seed bank that is vital to reforestation efforts in the area. The work of preparing these contingency lines includes removing small trees, thinning dense vegetation and piling brush mostly with heavy equipment. Removing these fuels along the roads will make them more defensible.

Across the rest of the fire, crews received instructions from Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry for what suppression repair work needs to be completed. Crews and equipment will remove dozer berms, scatter or pile brush, and fix stream crossings. Some areas have been identified for reseeding to prevent invasive species from spreading.

Advisers and archaeologists are also instructing crews on how to implement the repair plans.

After tonight, all night shift resources will be moved to day shift.

Weather

Scattered clouds will move across the area during the afternoon with skies clearing overnight. Temperatures ranging from upper 70s to lower 90s through Aug. 14 will cool off late in the week following the passage of a dry cold front. An isolated late afternoon shower or thunderstorm will be possible Aug. 12 and 13, but unlikely. No rainfall is expected.

Smoke and more

Smoke has moderated but is expected to persist from regional fires in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel. Helicopters will patrol the fire and provide bucket-drop support if needed. To see a detailed smoke outlook, visit linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024.

That site also contains information on evacuation levels, public land closures, road closures and fire restrictions.

Total estimated complex size: 182,855 acres

Total containment: 70%

Cause: under investigation

Estimated cost: $59 million

Resources

41 crews

71 engines

6 helicopters

34 water tenders

21 dozers

1,463 personnel