Massive Feliz Fire prompts evacuations in Mendocino County, CAL FIRE says
MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. -- The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office expanded evacuation orders in the Hopland area, southeast of Ukiah, for a wildfire that surged to 501 acres and closed U.S. Highway 101 Saturday.
Residents were directed to flee an area from Saracina Vineyards to Hewlett Sturtevant Road.
Highway 101 was closed from Burke Hill Road in the north to the junction with state Highway 175 in the south, Caltrans said.
Three night-flying helicopters were ordered to the area to help with the firefight, CAL FIRE said.
The Feliz Fire was first reported at 40 acres in the area of Feliz Creek Road about 3:40 p.m. It was 501 acres and 0% contained as of 6:30 p.m., according to CAL FIRE.
The Sheriff's Office also issued a wildfire evacuation warning for downtown Hopland. It advised people to be ready to evacuate at any moment.
A temporary evacuation point was established for residents displaced by the fire at the Mendocino County Office of Education at 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah, Mendocino County said on social media.
Residents with pets displaced by the fire were directed to take them to the Mendocino County Animal Shelter, 298 Plant Road, Ukiah. A shelter for livestock and other large animals was established at Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 N. State St., Ukiah.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
MAP: Track wildfires across California
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