Big Fire between Redwood & Potter Valleys

CALFIRE, reinforced by local agencies, said as of last night (Sunday) they had the Black Fire 50% contained. Evacuation orders have been lifted. The blaze, burning northeast between Redwood and Potter valleys, has consumed 417 acres, five structures and five outbuildings. Ten structures are still threatened. There have been three injuries.

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A DISASTROUS FIRE broke out two hours ago today (Saturday) in the well-populated area lying between Redwood Valley and Potter Valley. It was called in about 4pm but an hour later had already torn through 75 acres and consumed five structures. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for homes north and east of the intersection of Black Bart Trail and Hells Delight Canyon. Sheriff’s Lt. Shannon Barney said strong winds were driving the blaze over tinder-dry terrain on a very hot day, and that several firefighters were already being treated for heat exhaustion. Firefighters and deputies were going door-to-door to get people out, and also notifying residents of the area by reverse 911 calls that they had to leave. An emergency shelter was being set up at Eagle Peak Middle School in Redwood Valley. This fire is already the worst in the County this year.

CALFIRE UPDATE (8am, Sep 14): 150 acres, 30% contained, 5 structures destroyed, 25 structures threatened. Resources Assigned: 40 engines, 15 crews, 8 dozers, 6 air tankers, 2 helicopters, 5 water tenders, 458 total personnel.

AMERICAN RED CROSS press release (10am, Sep 14):

As of 8am this morning the Black Fire is 150 acres and 30% contained. Evacuation order remains in place for Hell's Delight Canyon @ Black Bart Northeast to Potter Valley. An American Red Cross shelter is open at Eagle Peak Middle School - 8601 West Road, Redwood Valley, CA 95470. Three people spent the night on September 13. The shelter will remain open until further notice. Volunteers from throughout the region will assist with staffing. The Red Cross is working closely with Mendocino County Health and Human Services.

With seasonal wildfires raging across the state, the Red Cross is urging residents to take steps now to stay safer when wildfires threaten.... For more information on wildfire preparedness, contact the Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross at 707-577-7600, download the Red Cross Wildfire app to your smart phone or tablet, visit www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.

CALFIRE UPDATE (Sep 13, 7 pm):

Name: Black Fire
County: Mendocino County
Location: Black Bart Trail, North of Lake Mendocino
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
Acreage Burned: 125 acres
Date Started: Saturday, September 13, 2014 3:48 pm

SHERIFF'S UPDATE:

This map showing the evacuation area in red is not particularly detailed, but the only one available for posting at the moment. A more detailed map will be posted as soon as it's available.