Mendocino Complex Fire won’t be contained until Sept. 1.

472 square miles charred — about the size of Los Angeles

MENDOCINO >> The largest wildfire in California recorded history roared past 300,000 acres, destroyed more than 40 homes and sent smoke billowing toward the Bay Area on Wednesday, authorities said.

The Mendocino Complex — comprised of the Ranch and

River fires — has charred a total of 302,086 acres, or about 472 square miles, an area about the size of Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It is not yet halfway contained.

The agency also said Wednesday that 119 homes have been destroyed, up from 75 a day earlier. Two firefighters have been injured battling

the blazes, which are burning in Lake, Mendocino and Colusa counties.

The northern flank of the Ranch Fire moved farther into the Mendocino National Forest and its thick brush, according to Cal Fire. The blaze has burned 253,166 acres and is 46 percent contained.

The River Fire did not spread and remained at 48,920 acres. It is 81 percent contained.

Together, the two fires are 47 percent contained, Cal Fire said.

Though Cal Fire had earlier estimated full containment by Aug. 15, it is now saying Sept. 1.

The blazes, along with the still-roaring Carr Fire and shifting wind patterns, sent heavy smoke into the Bay Area, and that effect is expected to be felt through at least Thursday. In response, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued Spare the Air alerts for Wednesday and Thursday.

The Carr Fire has charred 176,069 acres and is 47 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

People are being urged to drive less, use public transportation and hold off on outdoor barbecues.

Hazardous conditions also kept Yosemite National Park closed to visitors. Officials announced this week that the park will be shuttered indefinitely as crews fight the Ferguson Fire. It has consumed 91,502 acres and is 38 percent contained, Cal Fire said.

Overall, more than 14,000 firefighters are battling 18 wildfires throughout the state.

NOAH BERGER — ASSOCIATED PRESS Firefighters monitor a backfire while battling the Ranch Fire, part of the Mendocino Complex Fire, on Tuesday near Ladoga.

NOAH BERGER — ASSOCIATED PRESS A firefighter, who declined to give his name rests while battling the Ranch Fire, part of the Mendocino Complex Fire, on Tuesday near Lodoga.