Ranch Fire now largest in California history at 282,479 acres

Crews reported progress Sunday in their battles against blazes across the state, with some of the major wildfires slowing in growth.

The Mendocino Complex fires, made up of the River and Ranch fires, consumed about 3,100 more acres overnight. That was a modest jump compared to the 12,000 acres it scorched the previous night. Officials at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection don’t expect to completely contain the blaze until Sept. 1.

The Mendocino fires have burned 331,399 acres and are 70 percent contained. The larger of the two, the Ranch Fire, was responsible for all of the growth, burning 3,173 acres overnight for a total of 282,479 acres.