Lobo, McCourtney Fire Containment Improves In Nevada County

NEVADA COUNTY, CA – The Garden Fire, that broke out Tuesday off Wolf and Garden Bar Roads, northwest of Higgins Corner in Nevada County, was 100 percent contained Wednesday morning after consuming 19 acres, Cal Fire said.

The Lobo Fire, raging near the Lobo Trail, Rough and Ready, on Wednesday morning stood at 30 percent containment with 857 acres consumed, the agency said. On Tuesday night, containment was at 23 percent.

"Firefighters continued to build containment lines overnight," Cal Fire said Wednesday morning. "Steep terrain and heavy brush continue to pose a challenge. Predicted red flag warning will bring change in wind direction over the fire area."

Watch: Bad Weather Conditions Threaten California Wildfire Efforts

The McCourtney Fire, meanwhile, near McCourtney Road, southwest of Grass Valley, on Wednesday morning was reported at 76 acres with 65 percent containment, Cal Fire said. Containment the prior night was reported as 60 percent.

In the Garden Fire, portions of Sunnyside Lane, Wolf Road and Arbor Lane, along with two structures and one barn burned in the blaze, and evacuations were briefly in place, according to Nevada County Office of Emergency Services.

The Federal Aviation Administration Tuesday brought in a mobile airport-control tower to assist with the high volume of airport traffic flying in and out of the Grass Valley Air Attack Base, NCOES said.

The agency reminded residents who return to their properties to check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers, as well as the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning sparks and embers.

"When picking up animals from a shelter, please have a photo ID," Cal Fire said. "Upon returning home make sure you have food, water and proper containment for your animals. High temperatures and fire damage
can cause normal household items to become hazardous to you and your animals. Make sure your
property is safe before returning home."

Vist myNevadaCounty.com for the latest information on evacuations and road closures.

"Governor Brown declared a state of emergency for Nevada County due to the effects of #LoboFire and #McCourtneyFire, and has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support state and local response to these fires," NCOES said. "A Major Disaster Declaration makes Nevada County eligible for public infrastructure project funds due to the emergencies."

For more information on the fires raging in NorCal, see: Northern California Wildfires Latest: 15 Believed Dead; 1,500+ Homes Destroyed; Evacuations Continue

-- Photo of CalFIRE's Command Post and Fire Camp at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, courtesy of NCOES