Evacuations Ordered Near Willits in Advance of Fast-Growing Oak Fire
WILLITS (CBS SF) -- Cal Fire reported a new wildfire north of Willits Monday afternoon and the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office immediately ordered evacuations, fearing the wind-driven flames could quickly spread to homes.
The Oak Fire is burning in the vicinity of Big John Road and 3rd Gate Road north of Willits just west of Highway 101 and rapidly grew from less than 20 acres to about 700 acres in a little over two hours.
An evacuation center has been set up at the Willits High School.
#oakfire putting up a good column north of Willits. Winds out of the NW. @NorthBayNews pic.twitter.com/KKoqNefpNl
— Kent Porter (@kentphotos) September 7, 2020
Cal Fire downgraded the fire from 1000 to 700 acres at about 9:30 p.m., in an incident update Monday night, tweeting "acreage updated after more detailed mapping."
#OakFire Incident Update: 700 acres and 0% contained. Acreage updated after more detailed mapping #CALFIREMEU @ Willits, California https://t.co/NOZTgh6oF5
— CAL FIRE Mendocino (@CALFIRE_MEU) September 8, 2020
There was zero containment.
#OakFire 1000 acres (approx) and 0% containment. 2 Air Attacks 4 Air Tankers 2 Helicopters 18 Engines 4 Water Tenders 4 Dozers 4 Handcrews 61 support personnel Total Personnel: 232 Additional resources have been requested and are responding to the Oak Fire #CALFIREMEU
— CAL FIRE Mendocino (@CALFIRE_MEU) September 8, 2020
Multiple air tankers and helicopters were assisting ground crews battling the fast-growing blaze.
The Mendocino Voice posted to their Facebook page a timelapse of the smoke plume rising above Highway 101 taken at around 3:25 p.m.