Fire near Hopland in Mendocino County 60 percent contained

A roadside fire charred 135 acres of grass and vineyard west of Highway 101 in the Mendocino County community of Hopland on Tuesday, authorities said.

The wind-whipped blaze ran out of control for several hours before a shift in the gusts allowed fire crews to begin to make some progress, a Cal Fire spokeswoman said.

The Grape fire was 60 percent contained by Tuesday evening, after the wind “turned the fire back on itself,” spokeswoman Tricia Austin said.

About 220 people were assigned to the blaze, which began at about 12:40 p.m. near Crawford Ranch Road, located about 3 miles north of Hopland's commercial district and Highway 175.

The fire began alongside the highway about the same time a grape truck with a smoking engine was seen in the area, though it was uncertain if there was any connection, a Cal Fire official said.

The fire spread west into vineyards and tree-studded grasslands, and temporarily threatened two structures, officials said.

Hopland, Ukiah and Redwood Valley fire crews were assisting with the blaze. Crews were to remain at scene overnight.