NORTH COAST, Calif. — A fast-moving fire in Mendocino County has scorched hundreds of acres of land and is threatening many homes.
Cal Fire said the Hopkins fire began at 2:15 p.m. Sunday at East Hopkins and North State Street in Calpella.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Cal Fire said.
As of Sunday night, Cal Fire said it had burned 275 acres and was 10% contained, with 200 structures threatened but none so far destroyed or damaged.
The agency said 22 engines, six water tenders, two helicopters, six hand crews, seven dozers and 262 personnel are assigned to the incident.
Cal Fire said the fire is burning in a mix of grass, brush, oak and pine trees, with firefighters working in extreme conditions — including high heat, low humidity, steep terrain and the potential for erratic winds.
The fire appeared to be the source of smoke that poured into Lake County’s air basin on Sunday afternoon.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in the area of Road 144 to 50000 block of eastside of Calpella.
An evacuation center has been set up at the Mendocino County Office of Education, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah.
Two sites are available in Ukiah to shelter large animals: the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 State St., and the Mendocino County Animal Shelter on Plant Road.
Road closures are in effect at the bridge at Lake Mendocino Drive, Eastside Calpella and East Road, Marina Drive exit off Highway 20 and the Calpella exit off Highway 101, officials reported.
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