46 Structures Destroyed in Hopkins Fire; Those With Homes Still Standing Allowed to Return

Flames rolling off a structure in the Hopkins Fire last Sunday. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

Flames rolling off a structure in the Hopkins Fire last Sunday. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

Last night’s incident report from Cal Fire regarding the Hopkins Fire made public for the first time the number of structures destroyed by the blaze: a total of 30 homes and 16 non-residential structures. The 257 acre Hopkins Fire is now 95% contained as of last night and Cal Fire announced all of the area’s mandatory evacuations have been downgraded to warnings allowing residents to return to those homes still standing.

A home burning in the Black Oak Estates as the Hopkins Fire continues to spread. [Photo by Matt LaFever]

A home burning in the Black Oak Estates as the Hopkins Fire spread. [Photo by Matt LaFever]

In an update to the Mendocino County public, Cal Fire Mendocino Unit Chief George Gonzalez said the fire’s hot spots had been thoroughly suppressed and firefighters would now be working in “patrol status” monitoring for signs of reignition. Chief Gonzalez said dangers and hazards have been mitigated in the fire’s blueprint but warned, “There are still dangers.” 

Burned structure Calpella LaFever

Burned structure [Photo by Matt LaFever]

Darci Antel, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Mendocino County, told residents repopulating the area that multiple supports would be provided by the County. Returning residents could expect to find “safe re-entry packets” at their property. Antel directed those affected by the fire to visit Mendocino County’s Hopkins Fire website where they can find essential resources such as food banks, senior care, social security information, food stamps, and other services that might be needed in the wake of a disaster. Residents in need are encouraged to call the County’s hotline at (707)234-6303 to answer any of their questions.

Firefighters battling the flames that roared through the small town.

Firefighters battling the flames that roared through the small town of Calpella Sunday. [Photo by Matt LaFever]

1st District Supervisor Glen McGourty was at last night’s public address thanking first responders and assuring the victims of the fire that Mendocino County will “work to help you.”

Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall said the fire was “tragic” and the “only good thing we can say is there was no loss of life.” He encouraged repopulating residents to “continue exercising situational awareness.” He reminded Mendocino County residents that “we’re not out of the woods yet” as the county is just now entering traditional fire season.

Firefighter holding a steady spray on a structure burning in the Hopkins Fire last Sunday. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

Firefighter holding a steady spray on a structure burning in the Hopkins Fire last Sunday. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

The Cal Fire Incident Update published last night indicated utility workers would still be in the area of the fire as they work to repair damaged infrastructure. 

Just two days ago, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Captain Greg Van Patten identified the cause of the Hopkins Fire as arson and announced the suspected arsonist, 20-year-old Devin Johnson, had been arrested and booked in the Mendocino County jail.

A structure collapsed among the flames. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

A structure collapsed among the flames. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

A criminal complaint indicated charges have been formally filed against Johnson by the Mendocino County District Attorney. They charged him with two counts of aggravated arson. One count was prompted by the fire causing property damage and fire response expenses in excess of $8,300,000 and the other count was the result of the fire causing damage to five or more inhabited structures.

Several GoFundMe donation drives have emerged for families that have lost their homes in the Hopkins Fire:

Please, if you know of a GoFundMe ongoing for a victim of the Hopkins Fire, please email us at [email protected], and we’ll gladly share.

Crews marching into the Hopkins Fire on Sunday. [Photo from Matt LaFever]

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5 Comments
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Ernie Branscomb
Guest
2 years ago

I hope the miscreant that set this fire get’s life in prison. (Devin Johnson) Either that or turn him loose and let the lunch mob take care of him.

Trashman
Guest
Trashman
2 years ago

The lunch mob will eat him alive….

Big rick
Guest
Big rick
2 years ago

Typo calling this “hopland fire” in first paragraph

Kym Kemp
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Big rick

I’m torn between appreciating your polite note that we had made an error and your email address… Could you please not use that again?

thetallone
Guest
thetallone
2 years ago

What a tragedy. Sympathy for all the affected.