[Update: Forward Progress Stopped] Sawyer Fire Sparks Near Potter Valley, Highway 20 Traffic Halted

Around 3:45 p.m. today, August 18, a modified wildland fire dispatch was requested after callers reported a fire burning off Highway 20 near Potter Valley Road in Mendocino County.

Air support, CAL FIRE engines, three dozers, and a hand crew were dispatched to the scene of the Sawyer Fire as it’s now called. Overhead air reported the fire was approximately 1 to 2 acres, burning in grass and light, flashy fuels near the Cold Creek Bridge with a moderate to high rate of spread. Subsequent scanner traffic indicated the fire had the potential to grow to 15 acres.

According to the CHP Traffic Incident Information page, both eastbound and westbound traffic on Highway 20 is being stopped due to the fire. Please avoid the area if possible.

Update 4:10 p.m.: The fire is now estimated at 4 acres with a possible report of another fire along the highway, according to CHP. However, dispatch could not confirm the details from the 911 caller due to a language barrier.

Despite the possibility of an additional ignition site, one dozer was cancelled, two continued, and the incident commander stated that potential growth was limited.

Update 4:33 p.m.: CHP is reporting that one-way traffic control is in place through the burn area. Additionally, one outbuilding has been reported to have been destroyed in the fire.

Update: CAL FIRE Mendocino is stating forward progress stopped.