Twelve days after the Kincade Fire sparked to life and spread across northern Sonoma County, the blaze is largely contained. And while firefighting efforts continue, the focus has shifted to resettling and recovering the burnt areas.
As of Tuesday evening, the fire had consumed 77,758 acres and was 86% contained. A total of 374 structures, including 174 homes, were destroyed, and 60 buildings, including 34 homes, were damaged. Four firefighters have been injured fighting the blaze.
Full containment is expected Thursday.
Mandatory evacuation orders for the burn areas were lifted Saturday and residents have been returning home — the lucky ones to homes intact while many sift through rubble and ashes.
Sonoma County has opened an assistance center for residents affected by the fire in the Healdsburg Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave. It will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and possibly beyond.
Meanwhile, in Tehama County, south of Red Bluff, the Ranch Fire, which started Sunday, has spread to 3,768 acres and is just 15% contained. More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze with the aid of 10 air tankers and 13 helicopters. No structures have been destroyed and none are threatened.
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