Cal Fire says the very hard to access Berry Fire burning near Big Bend has grown to over 900 acres. The fire is burning in the Chalk Mountain area and was sparked by lightning on September 12th. Crews say the fire has burned 923 acres and is now 50% contained. On Wednesday increased winds in the Pit River Drainage cause erratic fire behavior and the steep rugged terrain is causing a significant hazard to firefighters. River Road is closed from Pit 4 Dam to Pit 3 Powerhouse. The Ruling Creek Campground is closed as well.
Light precipitation has fallen over the area of the Helena and Fork Fires with some areas receiving over a quarter inch of rain. Little fire growth has occurred in the last 24 hours, and the only activity observed overnight was on the southernmost edge of the Fork Fire, where it is burning in a small area of timber. Thursday, crews will take advantage of cool conditions to work on suppression directly on the edge of the fire east of the residences on Canyon Creek Road, and to continue improving line from the Hayfork Divide to Eagle Creek. They are hopeful that with the current weather they will have that completed in the next several days. Rain-slicked roads and terrain can be hazardous, and they will carefully evaluate conditions today before engaging. While the current storm will considerably lessen fire activity, it is not likely to put the fire completely out. Firefighters will carefully monitor for fire to activity to pick up as conditions warm and dry through the weekend. Additionally, residents should expect to see interior smoke for the foreseeable future as unburned trees and islands of vegetation ignite and burn. The complex is 65% contained. Highway 299 remains open with one way controlled traffic. Delays of up to 45 minutes are possible.