Mendocino Complex fire now fifth largest in California history

The Mendocino Complex fire in Northern California has burned more than 254,000 acres, making it the fifth largest blaze in the state's history.

Fire officials said 68 homes have been destroyed, 15,000 structures are threatened, and thousands of residents of Mendocino, Lake, and Colusa counties have been forced to evacuate. The Complex fire is actually two fires that have burned for several days: the Ranch fire, which has scorched 207,000 acres north of Clear Lake and is 23 percent contained, and the River fire, which has swept through 47,000 acres west of Clear Lake and is 53 percent contained, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The biggest fire ever recorded in California was the Thomas Fire last December, which burned 281,000 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The Mendocino Complex fire is one of 17 burning in the state.

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