UKIAH — Thunderstorms with lightning and potential gusty winds Thursday, Aug. 15, mean a heads-up day for firefighters near Ukiah.

The Oregon Department of Forestry reported in an update the potential for thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon have firefighters watching the weather closely.

“These thunderstorms can create gusty outflow winds and cause fire-weakened trees to fall,” according to ODF. “If the thunderstorms are dry, lightning could start new fires in the area. A group of engines and crews are ready to aggressively respond to any new fires.”

The northern portion of the fire that has continually flared up, smoked and smoldered produced little smoke on Aug, 14. Crews keeping watch on the drainages of Swale, Ditch and Potamus creek extinguished any hot spots. Across the northern fire line, fire managers worked to solidify their suppression repair plans and remove any unneeded equipment and supplies from private lands.

Suppression repair work is complete near Dale. This work will be inspected before it is approved. An excavator is working down the fire line on the western side, pulling in brush. The rest of the southern half of the fire is getting repaired or waiting for local government agency inspection. Firefighters on Aug. 15 are checking the North Fork Owens fire for repair work needs.

The public can expect to see more firefighters and equipment parked along roads. With heavy equipment coming off the fire there may be increased traffic. ODF advised drivers to pass with caution and be alert for large trucks on blind corners.

Weather

A 70% chance of rain may bring widespread showers Aug. 15 with measurable precipitation and with highs in the lower 70s to upper 80s with increased humidity. Elevated chances of showers and thunderstorms persist through Aug. 16.

Smoke, road closures 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: 182,951 acres

Total containment: 90%

Cause: under investigation

Estimated cost: $68 million

Resources

22 crews

26 engines

2 helicopters

29 water tenders

17 dozers

996 personnel