July 28, 2010 - A lightning-sparked wildfire, one of more than 80 lightning fires ignited since Saturday, has burned about 750 acres on McDonald Mountain, about three miles northeast of Termo in northeast Lassen County.
The Susanville Interagency Fire Center said 275 personnel had been assigned to the blaze this morning. It was 15 percent contained by fire lines, with full containment predicted for Friday, July 30.
There are no structures threatened. The fire is threatening critical habitat for sage grouse, an upland bird whose populations are closely monitored by wildlife specialists.
Elsewhere in the nine-million-acre region protected by SIFC agencies, crews hope to have the Russell Complex of fires fully contained today. The fires, also started by lightning, are burning in timber, juniper and brush southeast of Little Valley.
Crews are also continuing to respond to fire reports in the wake of four days of thunderstorms across northern California.
A more stable weather pattern is forecast for the remainder of the week, but SIFC officials said fire crews will continue to respond to new fires as smoldering lightning strikes erupt into flames.
Fire officials urged area residents and visitors to be extremely careful with fire any time they are outdoors. Campfires should be doused until they are cold to touch, vehicles should be driven only on established roads and firewood cutters should ensure that their chainsaws have spark arresters in good working condition.
Additionally, officials asked drivers to be alert for fire engines, crew buses and equipment transport trucks on highways and secondary roads as fire crews move to reported fires.
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