Update #2: Eight firefighters burned in northern California

(Originally published at 10 a.m. PDT August 9; updated at 8 a.m. PDT August 10, 2014

(CAL FIRE released a preliminary report on the incident: Blue Sheet)

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has announced that eight firefighters suffered burn injuries while working on the Lodge Lightning Complex in northwest California near Laytonville. They released the following statement Friday night:

This evening, eight (8) firefighting personnel, three (3) local government firefighters and five (5) CAL FIRE/CDCR inmate firefighters, received burn injuries while fighting the Lodge fire in Mendocino County. All are in the process of being medivaced and transported to a regional burn center. Initial reports indicate their injuries are serious under the guidelines of Department Policy but are not life threatening.

I have ensured that the Chief of the local government department involved in this incident has been notified and that family notifications are taking place. Updates will be provided as additional details are confirmed. Please keep the firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from their injuries.

Ken Pimlott
Director

10 News has a video report.

Later, CAL FIRE spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said all eight firefighters were released from the hospital a matter of hours after their arrival.

The fire is known as the Lodge Fire, Lodge Lightning Complex, and the Lodge LCA Fire. It has burned 7,100 acres of heavy timber in steep terrain and the incident management team is calling it 35 percent contained.

Resources assigned to the fire include 1,950 personnel, 157 engines, 44 hand crews, 15 helicopters and 29 dozers.