Proving the National Weather Service’s predictions true, afternoon lightning struck across Mendocino County skies sending first responders to far-flung places of the North County addressing fires, vehicle collisions, power outages, and even mudslides.
Fires
Proving the National Weather Service’s predictions true, afternoon lightning struck across Mendocino County skies, and as of 4:41 p.m., fire agencies are responding to multiple vegetation fires caused by the storm.
Fortunately, in many cases, firefighters have reported that fires have “put themselves out” due to the significant moisture brought about by the storm system.
A first responder told dispatch he saw “multiple smokes showing” on the east side of the Willits Valley.
At 5:17 p.m., a firefighter said over the radio they were “playing wack-a-mole” as they were driving to each reported fire. He added that not every report received is necessarily a fire.
One firefighter said he would be patrolling Brooktrails on foot due to the fact first responders did not have access to aircraft at the time
One fire reportedly “put itself out” after starting in grasses because of the ambient moisture after this afternoon’s rains.
Firefighters were searching the 10000 block of Hearst Road east of Willits. A firefighter searching for the vegetation fire told the dispatcher he was unable to locate the fire.
Redwood Valley Fire was dispatched to a 3×3 spot fire along Highway 101 near mile marker 36. Locals were reportedly on the scene of the vegetation fire.
A tree is reportedly on fire located approximately between 3900-4400 Mirror Mill Road. Similarly, near the 3000 block of Ridgewood Road, there are reports of a single tree on fire due to a lightning strike.
Car Crashes
This afternoon’s lightning and rains have strained resources, possibly causing at least four traffic collisions.
The four notable car crashes occurred in North County. One vehicle reportedly struck a mudslide on Highway 101 along the Willits Grade just south of Ridgewood summit. Another vehicle went off the roadway into a power pole reportedly caused by a lightning strike. A head-on collision on Highway 20 required an air ambulance and there are reports of major injuries. Also, a Subaru Forester reportedly slid off the roadway into a tree north of Willits
Power Outages
As per the PG&E Power Outage Map, hundreds of north county residents are without power near Willits proper, sections of Brooktrails, and in the hills northeast of Willits.
Magnificent photo! Captured the moment..indeed!