A wildfire burning in Northern California grew to nearly 3,500 acres Friday evening, prompting expanded evacuations, road closures and a red flag warning as crews worked through hot, windy and smoky conditions.
The Lucas Fire near the Lake-Mendocino county line was 10% contained as of 5:55 p.m. Friday, according to Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. The fire started Thursday morning near Potter Valley and was burning in rugged terrain near the Mendocino National Forest.
Cal Fire said firefighters faced high temperatures and strong winds on the fire line Friday while trying to protect nearby communities and slow the fire's spread, which grew to 3,476 acres by Friday night. Five night-flying helicopters were expected to work overnight to support suppression efforts.
The cause remained under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings were in place in parts of Lake and Mendocino counties.
An evacuation shelter opened Friday evening at the Lake County Fairgrounds' Fritch Hall at 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. Small animals were being accepted at the fairgrounds in a separate area, and livestock evacuees were instructed to enter through the livestock gate off Estep Drive.
Several temporary traffic control points were active along Highway 20.
The U.S. Forest Service issued an emergency closure for part of the Upper Lake Ranger District in the Mendocino National Forest. The closure includes forest roads, trails and campgrounds in the affected area, including Middle Creek, Penny Pines and Deer Valley campgrounds, as well as several off-highway vehicle trails.
Smoke from the Lucas Fire may affect air quality in Lake County and nearby communities, Cal Fire said.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Lake County from 10 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday, warning that gusty winds and low humidity could create critical fire weather conditions.
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This article originally published at Evacuation zone expands as Lucas Fire jumps to nearly 3,500 acres in Northern California.