[UPDATE 8:42 p.m.] New Fire Along 101 North of Laytonville

Smoke rising up from the Pond Fire soon after it was first reported. [Screenshot from AlertCalifornia]

A new wildfire dubbed the Pond Fire broke out Friday Wednesday afternoon north of Laytonville, first reported around 3:40 p.m. near Mile Marker 73.16 along Highway 101, just north of Longvale in Mendocino County. Traffic is moving slow in both directions, according to Caltrans QuickMap.

Highway 101 has been reduced to one lane in the area, creating delays for motorists traveling through the corridor. Firefighters and emergency responders are on scene.

By 3:47 p.m., the fire was estimated at approximately one acre, burning with a moderate rate of spread, according to initial scanner traffic. But by 3:52 p.m., the fire was being reported as 10 acres.

Air attack resources, including at least one air tanker, appear to be en route to the fire, according to FlightRadar tracking data.  Watch the fire on the remote AlertCalifornia cam by clicking here.

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 4:07 p.m.: Here’s the rough area of where the fire is located.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office sent out this Nixle warning:

Wednesday August 6th, 2025 :: 04:07 p.m. PDT
AlertEvacuation Warning: Wildfire in the Laytonville area, MM 73.16 N Highway 101
Evacuation Warning: Wildfire in the Laytonville area, MM 73.16 N Highway 101, Be ready to evacuate at any moment, gather your belongings, check on your neighbors and leave early if possible. Please avoid the area, Emergency crews need access, DO NOT BLOCK THE ROAD. Only call 9 1 1 for emergencies. We will publish more information including evacuation zone maps and social media updates to mendoready.org as more information becomes available.

Wildfire Information Resources: Twitter: @MendoSheriff, Facebook: @MendocinoSheriff, Twitter: @CALFIRE_MEU Facebook: @CALFIREMENDOCINOUNIT Instagram: @calfiremeu, https://www.fire.ca.gov/, https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: According to reports over the scanner, more resources have just been requested–four water tenders, five engines, two crews, and one dozer.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: Genasys Map is showing that there is an evacuation warning over approximately a two mile radius.

Screenshot of the Evacuation Warning area shown on the Genasys Map.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: A reader sent these photos from the scene.

Smoke on Highway 101 at the Pond Fire north of Laytonville.

Smoke and flame line Highway 101 at the Pond Fire north of Laytonville.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: Watch Duty is reporting the fire at 20 acres. Caltrans states on their Facebook post, “U.S. 101 is currently open and motorists are asked to drive with caution.”

Caltrans says 101 is open. [Photos from Caltrans]

Caltrans says 101 is open. [Photos from Caltrans]

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: All aircraft released except the air attack.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: MCSO sent out this information,