A single-vehicle rollover southeast of Covelo has reportedly resulted in a fatality and sparked a vegetation fire. Ground and air firefighting resources have been deployed to the scene.
Initial reports estimate the fire to be one-quarter acre in growing at a slow rate of spread with the potential to grow to 20 acres.
The accident occurred on the 300000 block of Eel River Ranch Road near Chicken Ridge around 8:00 p.m. Initial information indicated an occupant was entrapped. Both Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fish and Game officers are responding.
A plume of smoke can be seen rising from the area, as captured by the Big John mountaintop fire camera provided by AlertCalifornia.
UPDATE 8:27 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates that a number of structures in the area are threatened due to the fire including residences and hoop houses.
UPDATE 8:55 p.m.: Air attack determined the fire had diminished significantly and all air resources have returned to base with one group crew remaining for mop up.
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.
