The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office ordered an evacuation for residents east of Mina Road due to a wildfire burning near Covelo, officials said late Tuesday afternoon, July 7.
The fire, reported about 3:30 p.m., was originally estimated at 15 acres but was later downgraded. About 4:10 p.m., local officials said the fire was an estimated three-quarters, according to the Watch Duty App.
An evacuation order was issued in zone MEN-1COV14-A and a warning was issued for zone MEN-1COV14-B, according to a county evacuation map. The evacuation notices were made shortly before 4:20 p.m. and cover the Agency Fire area east of Mina Road to Agency Road.
Forward progress was stopped around 5:20 p.m., according to Capt. Quincy Cromer, a spokesperson for the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
“Sounds like we will be holding the evacuation order and warning for numerous hours while the firefighters continue their work,” Cromer said.
Residents under the evacuation order were told to leave immediately and not delay, according to an alert from the Sheriff’s Office. Authorities urged people to use the safest route available, check on neighbors if they have time and avoid blocking roads so emergency crews can reach the fire.
The recommended evacuation route for residents east of Mina Road is Mina Road to Highway 162 into Covelo, according to police.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office issued the evacuation notice through a Wireless Emergency Alert, advising residents to call 911 only for emergencies.
Officials said more information, including evacuation zone maps and updates, would be posted as it becomes available at mendoready.org.
This is a breaking news story, check back for updates.
You can reach Staff Writer Isabel Beer at [email protected].
