Breaking: 15% containment achieved for Timber Fire in Mendocino County, ignited June 16

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

First discovered: 6 hours ago, 3:50 p.m. June 16

Initial location: Judge Webber Lane, Covelo, Mendocino County, Calif.

Fire unit: Cal Fire Mendocino Unit

Fire type: Wildfire

Fire name: Timber Fire

A new wildfire was reported today at 3:50 p.m. on Judge Webber Lane, Covelo in Mendocino County, California.

Timber Fire has burned nine acres after being active for six hours. As of Tuesday evening, the fire crew succeeded in containing 15% of the wildfire. However, investigations into the cause are ongoing.

Fire containment

What does it mean for a fire to be 15% contained?

Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line. In this case, it means that 15% of the wildfire is halted from spreading, while 85% is still uncontrolled.

Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire. It is normally expressed as a percentage and it refers to how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded/enclosed by a control line that firefighters create. The containment percentage indicates a certain level of control, but it doesn't always correlate to safety level. Also, it's important to note that containment doesn't mean a fire is out.

How is containment measured?

The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground. As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage. The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.

Source: Cal Fire

United Robots Sacramento