Firefighters are battling a 50 acre fire five miles east of Covelo. The fire is apparently at the intersection of Mendocino Pass Road x Mendocino National Forest Road 23N25. It is now 50 acres and growing.  According to this site, it has the potential to grow much larger and there are structures threatened.

UPDATE 1:40: The above site reports that it is 150-200 acres with potential for 500.

Photo by Rick Bonham

UPDATE 1:50:  According to scanner there are several spots on fire. Here is the Mendocino Fire scanner if you want to listen. There are three structures currently threatened and “numerous” structures threatened if the fire jumps the contingency line.  Mark Lovelace  who is on the road reports “20 trucks heading towards it including bulldozers and other heavy equipment.”  There is a request in for even more including dozers, water tenders and additional crews.

UPDATE 1:55:  It is being called the Pass Fire and is located near Hams Pass Road and Hulls Mountain Area.

UPDATE: 4:55:Now at 600 acres!

kmudnews reports that Laytonville Fire and Garberville Fire are contributing resources to the Mendocino County fire, 1 1/2 hr. from Laytonville to the Pass Fire.

and that Calfire just sent 2 more helicopters also more handcrews on the way

UPDATE 5:00:

Total Fire Personnel: 445
Engines: 26
Fire crews: 12
Airtankers: 3
Helicopters: 2
Dozers: 6
Water tenders: 4

UPDATE 5:15: 800 acres and 15% contained.  Currently no structures threatened.

UPDATE 8:50:  800 acres, 25 % Contained.