Wildfire burns structures, forces evacuations in Mendocino County

A fast-moving wildfire burned 150 acres and five structures Saturday in the Mendocino County community of Redwood Valley, where authorities ordered the evacuation of dozens of homes threatened by flames.

The fire was 30 percent contained as of Sunday morning, Cal Fire said, with 25 structures threatened.

The blaze in the hilly oak woodlands north of Highway 20, near Black Bart Trail, was first reported about 4 p.m.

Strong winds blew it east toward Potter Valley Road, fire officials said.

It was not clear if the five structures were homes. But many more buildings were threatened, said Julie Cooley, a Cal Fire spokeswoman.

“It’s all dry fuels,” Cooley said of the area. “With the combination of the drought and heat, it just took off.”

Peak temperatures in the area were in the 90s. Cooley said the cause was under investigation.

Mandatory evacuations were underway for homes north and east of the intersection of Black Bart Trail and Hells Delight Canyon.

“It’s moving fast,” said Lt. Shannon Barney of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. “There’s a lot of wind.”

Firefighters and deputies were going door-to-door to get people out, he said. Residents were also notified by automated emergency notification phone calls, Barney said.

An emergency shelter was being set up at Eagle Peak Middle School in Redwood Valley.

All roads coming into the fire area were closed Saturday, Barney said. Highway 20 remained open.

Fighting the fire were 40 engines, 15 ground crews, eight bulldozers, six air tankers, two helicopters and five water tenders.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.