Blaze near Hopland grows to 142 acres

The wildfire burning outside Hopland in Mendocino County was 90 percent contained Thursday morning, after consuming 146 acres of brush and vineyard land since being sparked.

Three firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze, which broke out about 12:40 p.m. Tuesday near Crawford Ranch Road at tis intersection with Highway 101.

Its cause is still under investigation, Cal Fire said. A grape truck with a smoking engine was seen in the area around the same time the fire began, but it was still unclear if there was any connection.

In all, 152 personnel remained on scene Thursday morning, including two water tenders.

Scattered showers in the area Wednesday aided firefighters’ efforts to control the flames.

Cal Fire crews, assisted by Hopland, Ukiah and Redwood Valley fire departments, were expected to remain on scene throughout the day patrolling for smoke, hot spots and hazards.

You can reach Staff Writer Christi Warren at 707-521-5205 or christi.warren@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @SeaWarren.