A fire broke out at Ukiah’s R and M Mini Storage on the afternoon of Monday, June 24, 2024, damaging multiple storage units and prompting a substantial response from local fire departments and law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have deemed the fire as suspicious and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Eric Singleton told us the “Granite Fire” started around 4:11 p.m. at the facility located at 4300 N. State Street and Pomo Lane.
Upon arrival, first responders encountered heavy smoke billowing from several storage units. Firefighters moved to cut open four units to access and extinguish the flames.
Battalion Chief Singleton said in total, four units sustained heavy damage, while four others experienced moderate to minor damage.
All eight affected storage units were adjacent to each other under a common roof, with venting between the units that facilitated the fire’s spread. Battalion Chief Singleton told us this configuration suggests that the fire could have spread without eight separate points of ignition.
The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority extended its gratitude to Calfire, Redwood Valley Calpella Fire, Hopland Fire Prevention District, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in combating the blaze.
Battalion Chief Singleton told us that given the suspicious nature of the fire, an active investigation is underway. He urged anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 234-2100 or (800) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.