A vegetation fire in the Redwood Valley area of Mendocino County is spreading north this afternoon, threatening structures. Evacuation warnings have been issued by Nixle but over the scanner we can hear that deputies and Ukiah Police are going door to door evacuating residents.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office issued an Evacuation Warning at 12:49 p.m. for the Vineyard Oaks Drive area, advising residents to prepare to leave immediately if conditions worsen.
Since then, the Sheriff’s Office has escalated evacuations for some neighborhoods, issuing the following order to leave: “Evacuation Order: Wildfire in the Redwood Valley area, Forsyth Drive, Vineyard Oaks Drive, Oaks Ponds Court, Do not delay. Use the safest manner possible when evacuating.”
Radio traffic indicates the vegetation fire has spread to at least one outbuilding with firefighters working to protect homes in its path.
Scanner reports also indicated a Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to evacuate a residence where animals remained inside. Some animals were removed but others remained.
Meanwhile, images from the Laughlin Ridge ALERTCalifornia camera show a rapidly growing smoke column over the fire area as crews continue battling the blaze.
Residents within evacuation warning areas are urged to prepare to leave on short notice by gathering essential belongings, checking on neighbors, and leaving early if they feel unsafe.
Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.
