From Kym Kemp’s Redheaded Blackbelt
A new fire broke out in the Ridgewood area of Mendocino County west of Hwy 101 roughly halfway between Ukiah and Willits about 5:23 p.m.
According to the scanner, the fire is spreading at a high rate of speed. However, it is not affecting Hwy 101 at this time.
According to a report over the scanner from a first responder at the scene, the fire is about five acres and spreading. It will likely jump the railroad tracks.
UPDATE 5:52 pm
The scanner indicates the fire is now 10 acres with “potential for several hundred acres”. Scanner traffic also reports that the Highway 101 is now shut down at milemarker 37.
UPDATE 5:56 pm
Scanner traffic indicates an evacuation warning is being considered for the Bakers Creek subdivision. Fire personnel are requesting the dispatcher prep an advisory or warning for evacuation.
UPDATE: 6:06 pm
According to scanner traffic, the fire is now being referred to as the Red Incident.
UPDATE 6:09 pm
Scanner traffic indicates fire personnel on scene are describing the fire currently at 12 acres.
UPDATE: 6:15 pm
The Red Incident [Picture take by Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall]
Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.
UPDATE: 6:34
Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall is on site of the Red Incident and told us the fire seems to be coming under control with air resources being utilized heavily and describing a cool, moist wind picking up aiding firefighter’s efforts.
