[UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: 20 Acres, More Resources Requested] Timber Fire Breaks Out Southeast of Covelo

Timber Fire as seen from the Anthony Peak Lookout camera on the ALERTCalifornia system.

A vegetation fire broke out this afternoon southeast of Covelo, drawing a large response from CAL FIRE and partner agencies.

According to scanner traffic, the fire was reported around 3:50 p.m. and is burning near Timberridge Trail off Bentley Ridge Road. The fire falls within what’s called a State Responsibility Area, meaning CAL FIRE has primary responsibility for fighting it rather than a local fire department.

The fire is now dubbed the Timber Incident.

The fire was first spotted on the ALERTCalifornia camera at Anthony Peak Lookout, a wildfire detection camera system used by fire agencies across the state.

Scanner traffic indicates the response includes several engines, three bulldozers, two air tankers, one air attack plane and a hand crew.

There is no information yet on fire size, containment, structures threatened or evacuation orders. This is a developing situation and details could change as firefighters get a closer look at the fire. Redheaded Blackbelt will update this story as more information becomes available.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.:

Air Attack 410 remains overhead directing ops overhead as CAL FIRE tankers drop retardent on the Timber Fire southeast of Round Valley. [Screenshot of FlightRadar24.com]

Crews are accessing the fire area off Fairbanks Road, off Highway 162.

Air attack requested an additional air tanker and a helicopter Tuesday afternoon, citing an immediate need for the closest available resources. An all call has also gone out for Covelo, meaning local fire agencies are being asked to send any available resources to help.

There is still no information on containment or evacuation orders.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: The Timber Fire southeast of Covelo has grown to an estimated 20 to 25 acres burning in timber, according to scanner traffic.

Firefighters reported multiple spot fires on the right flank of the blaze Tuesday afternoon. The Incident Commander has requested additional ground resources. He has also begun staffing up for continued fire suppression efforts tomorrow morning.

Air and ground crews remain engaged on the fire as they work to contain spread in steep, heavily vegetated terrain. No containment percentage has been reported.

There has been no information released regarding evacuations, injuries, or structures lost. Redheaded Blackbelt will continue to monitor the incident and provide updates as more information becomes available.