Crews make major progress on Kincade Fire, now 45 percent contained

Fire officials believe they’ve turned a corner in the massive Kincade Fire that has raged through Sonoma County for the past seven days.

According to a Cal Fire statement in a Wednesday evening press briefing, the blaze is now 45 percent contained, up from just 15 percent Tuesday. They largely attribute the progress to relatively calm weather despite a high wind advisory that fortunately did not materialize as forecasted.

The burn zone has reached 76,825 acres, which reflects a spread of a little more than 2,000 acres since Monday evening. Cal Fire said 266 structures have so far been destroyed, including 133 homes. They stressed that the structure damage numbers rise as inspections are completed in previously inaccessible areas. The increase numbers don’t necessarily indicate the fire’s current threat level.

Evacuation orders and warnings were lifted for approximately 100,000 Sonoma County residents earlier Wednesday.