All evacuations lifted for LNU Lightning Complex as firefighters near full containment

All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted for areas affected by the massive LNU Lightning Complex on Sunday afternoon.

After nearly three weeks of restrictions on communities across six counties, Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit officially allowed everyone to return home as firefighters near full containment of the blaze.

The complex started Aug. 17, when a series of lightning strikes sparked several fires, which quickly grew to its current size of 375,000 acres, making it the third-largest wildfire in California history.

As it spread, the lightning complex sowed devastation across Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.

Cal Fire said that the LNU Lightning Complex is 89% contained as of Sunday, and previously said that there was some limited growth of the fire overnight. But as crews continue to surround the fire and douse out flames, it seems the majority of the destruction is done.

The fire killed five people last month. Three were Napa County residents, while another was killed in Solano County. A Pacific Gas and Electric troubleman was also killed while working in Vacaville. That city was hit particularly hard, as flames jumped over Interstate 80 and destroyed many homes after evacuations were ordered.

A total of 1,500 buildings have been destroyed, and 232 more have been damaged by the fire.

Some road closures remain in place in Napa and Solano counties, and Cal Fire warned that some hazards may still exist, such as widespread smoke in the air.