[UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Cal Fire Update] Wildfire Ignites Northwest of Covelo

A vegetation fire referred to as the “Mina Fire” has ignited in the hill country northwest of Covelo prompting a full wildland response.

The fire was reported around 2:10 p.m. to be burning on the 97500 block of Mina Road. Both air and ground resources have been dispatched to the scene, though fire personnel are still en route.

Smoke from the fire is visible on the AlertCalifornia Big John camera. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.

UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Dispatch confirmed that the wildfire was ignited by a structure fire that spread into nearby vegetation.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: According to a report from the Air attack, the fire is now 3 to 5 acres and spreading moderately fast. There are additional structures in the area but none are immediately threatened.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: Two additional tankers and two helicopters are being brought in from outside Mendocino.

Screenshot from FlightRadar of the air attack circling the #MinaFire.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: The Incident Commander is requesting three additional water tenders.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: Evacuation warning has been issued for the area depicted on the map here.

Update 3:09 p.m.: The Incident Commander just reported the fire is now 10 acres.

UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: FlightRadar shows more air resources arriving and on their way. So far we count 5 bombers, 2 copters, 1 air attack from Cal Fire and one from USFS on the fire.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The fire is now 10-15 acres with a moderate rate of spread, according to the Incident Commander. Engines are starting to arrive on the ground. It takes awhile to reach these remote areas.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: Here’s a timelapse of the fire from near the start to just a few minutes ago.

UPDATE 4:09 p.m.: The Incident Commander is reporting the fire is now 50 acres and continuing to spread at a moderate rate.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: Two more additional tankers have been requested to drop retardant. That will be 8 tankers trying to stop this blaze.

UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Although the zone around the fire has not been upgraded to an evacuation order, according to traffic over the radio, two residences are being evacuated. The Incident Commander requested more resources.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Citing “Immediate need”, a strike team has been requested to respond to the Mina Fire.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Cal Fire just posted their incident report: