[UPDATE] Wildfire near Covelo could burn hundreds of acres, evacuations underway
The Medicine Fire burning in Covelo [Photo from Jessi Alvarado]
A fast-moving wildfire is tearing through the Covelo countryside this afternoon, prompting evacuation orders, a three-alarm response, and reports of RV trailers and other structures catching fire, according to scanner traffic.
The fire is burning near the Covelo area, with flames reported around Hopper Lane and Covelo Refuse Road. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for residents north of Hopper Lane, west of Mina Road, and west of Covelo Road (Highway 162). Officials are urging residents in the zone to leave immediately.
Firefighters on scene described rapid spread through dry brush and grass, and air attack crews warned the blaze could grow to 200–300 acres. A surge of resources—including air tankers, helicopters, engines, and hand crews—was ordered to try and get ahead of the fire.
In a public alert, the Sheriff’s Office asked the public to avoid the area and use caution as emergency operations continue.
UPDATE 4:34 p.m.: Evacuation orders have been issued for Zones MEN-1COV08-B and MEN-1COV13-A, according to the Genasys Evacuation Map. Residents in these areas should leave immediately. The zones can be viewed at protect.genasys.com.
UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: The fire has grown to 100 acres, according to Incident Command.
UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: According to CAL FIRE Mendocino, the Medicine Fire has grown to 217 acres and is currently 0% contained.
UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: Medical personnel are responding to the Medicine Fire following reports that a 26-year-old firefighter sustained a chipped tooth and facial laceration under unknown circumstances.
UPDATE 7:08 p.m.: Fire crews report that the Medicine Fire is holding at approximately 220 acres with 15% containment.
Road closures are in effect at the following intersections:
- Ledger Lane and Zenia Road
- Ledger Lane and Barnes Lane
- Crawford Road and Barnes Lane
UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: Evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings for the following zones: MEN-1COV08-B and MEN-1COV13-A, according to the Genasys Evacuation Map. Residents may return home but should remain alert and prepared to leave if conditions change.
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: According to the ONCC, The Medicine Fire is 263 acres grass and brush, 55% contained. Minimal fire behavior reported. Crews continue to strengthen control lines.
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The Medicine fire sounds very stark, hope it gets the proper remedy to keep it at or below a few hundred acres.
The 7:08pm update sounds encouraging — hope they can get this sucker out before it takes any homes.
That is extremely rough terrain; all up and down hill in the thickest of brush.
I watched some of the firefighting today and it was heroic.
Hopefully the fire will be knocked down further by the cool night air and diminishing winds.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to the crews, and I am so sorry to hear of the young man’s injuries. May he heal quickly and fully.
Medicine Hill is considered by many to be the most sacred spot in our valley. Our hearts are so full of gratitude at these efforts to protect the sacred land, along with the homes of dear friends that are nearby. Everyone, please take care and stay safe.
Unless you’re Yuki none of this is “sacred land” to us because we were relocated into this valley. Please don’t further this misconception to the public view. You’re confusing people that want to generally understand.
Just what we don’t want is another darn fire. With all the dry grass, trees and brush it has plenty to feed on. I am very sorry that some folks lost RV trailers and other structures. I hope the 26-year-old firefighter that received a chipped tooth and face lacerations will be fine. Happy to see they have downgraded the evacuation orders and folks can return home. Please be safe everyone.