Crews reach 98 percent containment in SCU Lightning Complex fires

The SCU Lightning Complex fires in multiple Bay Area counties have reached 98 percent containment with full control expected by Thursday, Cal Fire said Sunday morning.

The fires have blackened 396,624 acres in seven counties, including Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties, since being ignited Aug. 16 by lightning strikes.

The toll includes four firefighter and two civilian injuries, 136 structures destroyed and 26 damaged.

Even as firefighters get the upper hand and staffing is reduced, Cal Fire said:

“(L)ack of humidity at higher levels will continue to allow for smoldering and creeping.”