CZU Lightning Fire 100% contained as Fall fire season begins

On Tuesday, the first day of Fall, CAL Fire announced that the CZU Lightning Complex fire has been 100% contained.

The fire, which started Aug. 16, burned 86,509 acres in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. It also destroyed 925 residences, 171 commercial buildings as well as other structures. One person died as a result of those fires.

The SCU Lightning Complex, which has burned 396,624 acres in Contra Costa and nearby counties, reached 98% containment on Tuesday. To the north, the LNU Lightning Complex fire was also 98% contained. It has burned 363,220 acres. CAL Fire expects no further growth in these fires while they continue fire suppression work.

More than 18,700 firefighters continue to battle 27 major wildfires across California. On Monday, they contained the 50-acre Shacklford Fire in Siskiyou County. However, many other fires still continue.

The Creek fire, in Fresno and Madera counties, only has 32% containment. Already this year fires have burned more than 3.6 million acres in the state. CAL Fire spokesperson Daniel Berlant noted that, historically, Fall has brought “some of the largest and most devastating wildfires.” So fire crews will remain on alert.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity over the past week have helped with fire suppression. However, triple digit heat, and lower humidity, will return this weekend and into next week. Because fire danger remains high, we all need to continue to be mindful of activities that might cause sparks or increase fire risks.

To see up-to-date fire activity information, visit CAL Fire’s website.