Mill Fire fully contained; no homes lost

Not a home was lost in more than a week of fighting a forest fire that claimed 29,502 acres in western Colusa and Glenn counties, and has cost $15.4 million to fight.

But that does not mean the Mill Fire did not come close.

Reports had flames within feet of the back of some homes, but fire crews were able to keep the fire from reaching the structures.

US Forest Service officials declared the fire fully contained on Thursday.

"Crews are engaging in patrol and mop-up, and beginning fire suppression repairs.

They will be working quickly, and efficiently, while ensuring safety," the agency announced.

"The public will see a decrease in the number of people assigned to the fire, throughout the coming days. As the days grow hotter, and the humidity decreases, residents will also see smoke inside the fire lines. This is normal after a fire, and residents can rest assured that crews will be vigilant about response."

The agency also announced that public meetings will continue public meetings at the Stonyford Grange as needed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It burned five outbuildings, and four firefighters suffered what has been described a minor injuries.

The fire started at about 3 p.m. on July 7 near the Mill Valley Campground in the Mendocino National Forest.

The situation was complicated when the Sites Fire started the next day just a few miles to the east. There were actually five fires in that incident.

That fire was contained on July 14.

Closure orders remain in effect for all roads and trails in the recreation area outside Stonyford on the south portion of the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest.

The Forest areas of Fouts Springs, Bonnie View, and Board Camp Springs and campgrounds within the Upper Letts Lake area also remain closed.

East Lake Reservoir was opened for use on Friday, and only residents are allowed to travel Fouts Spring and Goat Mountain roads, the agency reported.

Archery deer hunting is closed in the fire area.

Resident tours of the fire area are being planned. For information, call Laurie Pearson, public information officer at the Stonyford Work Center, 963-3128.