On 10-09-2017 at 1:10 AM a Sergeant from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office was on routine patrol in the area of Hawn Creek Road in Potter Valley, California.

During this time there was severe wind gusts which downed trees and power lines in this area of the valley.  Shortly thereafter the Sergeant witnessed a ground fire which quickly traveled to the west towards Redwood Valley.

The fire quickly invaded Redwood Valley resulting in the mandatory evacuations of residents.

As of 10-09-2017 at 10:00 AM there have been multiple structures destroyed with a reported fatality and numerous injuries as a result of the fire.

The Sheriff's Office is continuing to assist with mandatory evacuations and responding to assist residents who are unable to self evacuate.

The Sheriff's Office is also conducting theft prevention patrols and have arrested one person who was in the process of burglarizing an evacuated home.

In response to the destruction caused thus far as a result of the Redwood Fire, Mendocino County Sheriff Thomas D. Allman has declared a State of Emergency in Mendocino County.

Further press releases are forth coming as the Redwood Fire progresses. 

Real time updates are being made on the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoSheriff/) and Twitter feed (https://twitter.com/mendosheriff).  

The County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has been activated.  The EOC number is (707) 467-6428.

UPDATE #1

On 10-09-2017 at 9:39 AM Mendocino County Sheriff Thomas D. Allman declared a State of Emergency in Mendocino County because of the Redwood Fire.  That declaration has been communicated to the Office of the Governor.

Currently shelters have been established at the Ukiah High School, Willits High School, Ukiah Fair Grounds (people and animals) and the Ukiah Animal Shelter (animals).

Any inquires for air quality are asked to visit the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District website (http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/aqmd/).

Real time updates are being made on the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoSheriff/) and Twitter feed (https://twitter.com/mendosheriff). 

As of 10-09-2017 at 10:52 AM the following information is related to the Redwood Fire per CalFire:
 

Administrative Unit:	CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
County:	Mendocino County
Location:	North of Hwy 20, west of Mendocino National Forest, south of Black Bart
Acres Burned - Containment:	4,500 acres
Evacuations:	Evacuations are in place for Redwood Valley. Evacuation centers: Ukiah High School and Willits City Hall. The large animal evacuation center is at Ukiah Fair Grounds.
Road Closures:	Hwy 101-Ridgewood Grade – from Uva Drive, Redwood Valley to Black Bart, Willits
Cause:	Under Investigation
Cooperating Agencies:	Redwood Valley Fire, Brooktrails Fire CHP, CAL TRANS, OES, Sheriff’s Office at scene- All Mendocino Fire Departments are responding.
Total Fire Personnel:	231
Total Fire Engines:	6
Total Fire Crews:	7
Total Dozers:	2
Total Water Tenders:	1
Long/Lat:	-123.16635/39.24873
Conditions:	Cell service in the Potter Valley, Willits and Redwood Valley areas has been disrupted.

Additional Information:

Power outages:  Majority of Redwood Valley and portions of Potter Valley

Approved by: 
Captain Gregory L. Van Patten