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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Cal Fire said Wednesday that the County fire has had another significant growth in acreage, with hundreds more homes and other structures in Yolo and Napa counties now threatened, while the Pawnee fire in Lake County is nearing full containment.
The County fire has burned 82,700 acres as of Wednesday morning, with 25 percent containment, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said the fire is now threatening 1,345 structures, but none have been reported damaged so far.
That structure threat has led to a number of continuing mandatory evacuation orders in the fire area.
The Wednesday Cal Fire report said firefighters worked aggressively through the night to build containment lines around the incident, and have been hampered in their efforts by the steep and inaccessible on the fire’s north end.
Wednesday’s conditions were far cooler, with some wind, and Cal Fire said the winds – coupled with dry vegetation – could still lead to fire growth.
Radio reports on Wednesday indicated more efforts to contain the fire through the efforts of aircraft.
The reports stated that the fire continued to burn actively and was picking up in some areas by mid afternoon.
Cal Fire said 18 helicopters were working the incident on Wednesday. Other resources assigned include 2,894 personnel, 283 engines, 32 water tenders, 63 hand crews and 73 dozers.
The County fire is estimated to be fully contained on July 10, three days after Cal Fire expects to finally contain the Pawnee fire, burning northeast of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County since June 23.
The Pawnee fire on Wednesday remained at 15,000 acres with containment up to 90 percent.
Resources assigned to the fire continued to be rolled back on the incident, with personnel at 1,800, along with 92 engines, 27 water tenders, nine helicopters, 36 hand crews and 27 dozers, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said the causes of both fires remain under investigation.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters are working to contain a wildland fire that began on Wednesday afternoon in neighboring Colusa County.
The Stoney fire was first dispatched in the 2600 block of Lodoga Stonyford Road just before 1:15 p.m., according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire, along with units from Maxwell and other Colusa County resources, responded to the quick-moving fire, based on radio reports.
Air attack, helicopters and air tankers also responded, according to reports from the scene.
Shortly after 2:15 p.m., Cal Fire issued a report estimating the fire’s size at 50 acres, with zero containment.
Cal Fire said the blaze is burning in grass with a moderate rate of spread, and is posing a threat to structures.
Minutes later, air attack reported from the scene that the fire had reached 100 acres, with forward progress stopped.
No structures have so far been reported damaged, Cal Fire said.
Resources assigned so far include 10 engines, two fire crews, two helicopters, four bulldozers and six air tankers, according to Cal Fire. No estimate was given for the number of personnel.
Additional information will be published as it becomes available.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The Stoney fire was first dispatched in the 2600 block of Lodoga Stonyford Road just before 1:15 p.m., according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire, along with units from Maxwell and other Colusa County resources, responded to the quick-moving fire, based on radio reports.
Air attack, helicopters and air tankers also responded, according to reports from the scene.
Shortly after 2:15 p.m., Cal Fire issued a report estimating the fire’s size at 50 acres, with zero containment.
Cal Fire said the blaze is burning in grass with a moderate rate of spread, and is posing a threat to structures.
Minutes later, air attack reported from the scene that the fire had reached 100 acres, with forward progress stopped.
No structures have so far been reported damaged, Cal Fire said.
Resources assigned so far include 10 engines, two fire crews, two helicopters, four bulldozers and six air tankers, according to Cal Fire. No estimate was given for the number of personnel.
Additional information will be published as it becomes available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Firefighters gained more ground on the Pawnee fire during cooler conditions on Tuesday, with officials estimating the incident will reach full containment this weekend.
The fire on Tuesday evening had reached 15,000 acres, with 85 percent containment, Cal Fire said.
Earlier in the day, officials lifted the mandatory evacuation order for the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision east of Clearlake Oaks, as Lake County News has reported.
The agency moved back the expected date for full containment from Thursday to Saturday.
Cal Fire said crews are focused on mop up and patrol, with their priority being to extinguish large
diameter fuels.
With firefighters and equipment much in need on other incidents – including the 72,500-acre County fire to the southeast – the assigned resources rolled back on Tuesday, with the number of firefighters down several hundred to 1,800, along with 92 engines, 27 water tenders, nine helicopters, 36 hand crews and 27 dozers, Cal Fire said.
Pacific Gas and Electric spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said crews on Tuesday worked to restore power to the final 16 customers who have been without power due to the Pawnee fire.
She said they were flying a helicopter to replace the 30 or so poles, with the landing zone located at Cache Creek Vineyards off Highway 20.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters gained ground on the County fire in Yolo and Napa counties on Tuesday, but the fire’s continued threat to an expanding area led to more mandatory evacuations and the closure of a wildlife area.
The County fire grew to 72,500 acres by day’s end on Tuesday, with containment up to 15 percent and no damage to the 980 structures in the fire’s path, Cal Fire said.
On Tuesday the resources assigned to the County fire increased notably, with hundreds more firefighters and nearly 100 more engines arriving to assist.
By day’s end, Cal Fire said there were 2,665 firefighters, 274 engines, 56 water tenders, 18 helicopters, 55 hand crews and 67 dozers.
Cal Fire said firefighters worked aggressively through the day Tuesday to build containment lines
around the County fire.
Those efforts, Cal Fire said, have been hampered on the northern end of the fire by steep, inaccessible terrain.
At the same time, cooler temperatures are expected through Wednesday, but winds and dry vegetation still have the potential to fuel fire growth, Cal Fire said.
The changing conditions led to the announcement of some evacuation orders being lifted and new ones being implemented.
On Tuesday night, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office said it changed certain evacuation orders from mandatory to advisory due to containment lines and better weather conditions.
Impacted areas include those west of State Highway 16, between County Road 76 and County Road 81, including the community of Brooks and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; west of County Road 89, to the burn area, from County Road 23 in the North, to State Highway 128 in the South.
Those areas don’t include the previously evacuated areas of Napa County, north of State Highway 128 between the eastern shore of Lake Berryessa and the Napa/Yolo County Line.
The road closure along State Highway 128 between Pleasants Valley Road and Markley Cove Resort remains in effect. Residents along Positas Road will be allowed access with valid identification, officials said.
Less than an hour after that announcement was made, the sheriff’s offices for Yolo and Napa counties said they had issued a mandatory evacuation for the area west of State Highway 16, to Berryessa Knoxville Road, south of Old County Road 40 and north of County Road 53.
Residents of the Yolo County portion of that area were urged to evacuate immediately.
The Napa County evacuation area does not include any permanent residences, with deputies surveying the evacuation area for campers.
In other fire-related news, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Tuesday night that the Knoxville Wildlife Area located in northeastern Napa County is closed until further notice because of the County fire.
The Knoxville-Berryessa Road, which runs through the wildlife area, is currently closed. Due to the uncertain nature of the fire it is unknown when the wildlife area will reopen, officials said.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The County fire grew to 72,500 acres by day’s end on Tuesday, with containment up to 15 percent and no damage to the 980 structures in the fire’s path, Cal Fire said.
On Tuesday the resources assigned to the County fire increased notably, with hundreds more firefighters and nearly 100 more engines arriving to assist.
By day’s end, Cal Fire said there were 2,665 firefighters, 274 engines, 56 water tenders, 18 helicopters, 55 hand crews and 67 dozers.
Cal Fire said firefighters worked aggressively through the day Tuesday to build containment lines
around the County fire.
Those efforts, Cal Fire said, have been hampered on the northern end of the fire by steep, inaccessible terrain.
At the same time, cooler temperatures are expected through Wednesday, but winds and dry vegetation still have the potential to fuel fire growth, Cal Fire said.
The changing conditions led to the announcement of some evacuation orders being lifted and new ones being implemented.
On Tuesday night, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office said it changed certain evacuation orders from mandatory to advisory due to containment lines and better weather conditions.
Impacted areas include those west of State Highway 16, between County Road 76 and County Road 81, including the community of Brooks and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; west of County Road 89, to the burn area, from County Road 23 in the North, to State Highway 128 in the South.
Those areas don’t include the previously evacuated areas of Napa County, north of State Highway 128 between the eastern shore of Lake Berryessa and the Napa/Yolo County Line.
The road closure along State Highway 128 between Pleasants Valley Road and Markley Cove Resort remains in effect. Residents along Positas Road will be allowed access with valid identification, officials said.
Less than an hour after that announcement was made, the sheriff’s offices for Yolo and Napa counties said they had issued a mandatory evacuation for the area west of State Highway 16, to Berryessa Knoxville Road, south of Old County Road 40 and north of County Road 53.
Residents of the Yolo County portion of that area were urged to evacuate immediately.
The Napa County evacuation area does not include any permanent residences, with deputies surveying the evacuation area for campers.
In other fire-related news, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Tuesday night that the Knoxville Wildlife Area located in northeastern Napa County is closed until further notice because of the County fire.
The Knoxville-Berryessa Road, which runs through the wildlife area, is currently closed. Due to the uncertain nature of the fire it is unknown when the wildlife area will reopen, officials said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Fire restrictions will go into effect on the Mendocino National Forest on Friday, July 6, and will remain in place through Oct. 30.
“We are implementing these restrictions due to dry conditions and the increased risk of wildfires. The public can help prevent human-caused wildfires by always practicing fire safety and complying with these restrictions,” Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson said.
Temporary fire restrictions are put in place to provide for public safety, protect natural resources and limit the threat of human-caused wildfires. Similar restrictions are going into effect on neighboring forests.
However, restrictions can vary by forest and visitors should check with the national forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions.
For the Mendocino National Forest, the fire restrictions are formally referenced through Forest Order Number 08-18-11.
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited except in the following designated recreation sites on the Mendocino National Forest (no campfire permit is required):
– Grindstone Ranger District: Whitlock, Kingsley, Three Prong, Ides Cove, Horse Packer, Wells Cabin, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Big Springs Day Use Area, Letts Lake, Mill Valley, Dixie Glade, Plaskett Meadows, Masterson, Little Stony, Grey Pine, Fouts Springs, Davis Flat, South Fork, North Fork, Mill Creek, Cedar Camp, Old Mill and Sugar Springs campgrounds.
– Upper Lake Ranger District: Fuller Grove, Fuller Grove Group Camp, Navy Camp, Pogie Point, Oak Flat, Sunset, Middle Creek, Deer Valley, Bear Creek, Penny Pines Campground and Lake Pillsbury Summer Home Sites.
– Covelo Ranger District: Eel River, Little Doe, Howard Lake, Howard Meadows, Atchison, Green Springs and Hammerhorn Lake campgrounds.
Also, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may have campfires, charcoal fires or stoves in federally designated wilderness areas and the following designated fire safe recreation sites on the forest:
– Grindstone Ranger District: Pacific Ridge Station, West Crockett, Board Tree, Rocky Cabin, Board Tree and Dead Mule.
– Upper Lake Ranger District: Lower Nye Campground, Pine Mountain Lookout, Hunter Camp, Pinnacle Rock Camp, Spruce Grove Camp, Sanhedrin Hunter Camp, Milsap Cabin, Dry Oak Camp, Graves Cabin and Barley Lake.
– Covelo Ranger District: Surveyor Camp, Rock Cabin, Rattlesnake, Post Camp, Grizzly Flat and Patrol Camp.
In all other areas of the forest, lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be allowed as long as the person has a current California Campfire Permit with them.
California Campfire Permits are free and may be obtained at any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or Cal Fire office in California, as well as from Forest Service field employees. They may also be found online at www.preventwildfireca.org .
The following activities are also prohibited as part of the fire restrictions:
– Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or in the designated recreation sites listed above.
– Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest system roads or trails.
– Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
– Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
– Forest visitors are able to continue riding off-highway vehicles on designated roads and trails, provided that the vehicles are equipped with the required spark arresters. Spark arresters are also required on chainsaws being used for people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may only be used on designated roads and trails.
Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.
For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316.
“We are implementing these restrictions due to dry conditions and the increased risk of wildfires. The public can help prevent human-caused wildfires by always practicing fire safety and complying with these restrictions,” Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson said.
Temporary fire restrictions are put in place to provide for public safety, protect natural resources and limit the threat of human-caused wildfires. Similar restrictions are going into effect on neighboring forests.
However, restrictions can vary by forest and visitors should check with the national forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions.
For the Mendocino National Forest, the fire restrictions are formally referenced through Forest Order Number 08-18-11.
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited except in the following designated recreation sites on the Mendocino National Forest (no campfire permit is required):
– Grindstone Ranger District: Whitlock, Kingsley, Three Prong, Ides Cove, Horse Packer, Wells Cabin, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Big Springs Day Use Area, Letts Lake, Mill Valley, Dixie Glade, Plaskett Meadows, Masterson, Little Stony, Grey Pine, Fouts Springs, Davis Flat, South Fork, North Fork, Mill Creek, Cedar Camp, Old Mill and Sugar Springs campgrounds.
– Upper Lake Ranger District: Fuller Grove, Fuller Grove Group Camp, Navy Camp, Pogie Point, Oak Flat, Sunset, Middle Creek, Deer Valley, Bear Creek, Penny Pines Campground and Lake Pillsbury Summer Home Sites.
– Covelo Ranger District: Eel River, Little Doe, Howard Lake, Howard Meadows, Atchison, Green Springs and Hammerhorn Lake campgrounds.
Also, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may have campfires, charcoal fires or stoves in federally designated wilderness areas and the following designated fire safe recreation sites on the forest:
– Grindstone Ranger District: Pacific Ridge Station, West Crockett, Board Tree, Rocky Cabin, Board Tree and Dead Mule.
– Upper Lake Ranger District: Lower Nye Campground, Pine Mountain Lookout, Hunter Camp, Pinnacle Rock Camp, Spruce Grove Camp, Sanhedrin Hunter Camp, Milsap Cabin, Dry Oak Camp, Graves Cabin and Barley Lake.
– Covelo Ranger District: Surveyor Camp, Rock Cabin, Rattlesnake, Post Camp, Grizzly Flat and Patrol Camp.
In all other areas of the forest, lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be allowed as long as the person has a current California Campfire Permit with them.
California Campfire Permits are free and may be obtained at any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or Cal Fire office in California, as well as from Forest Service field employees. They may also be found online at www.preventwildfireca.org .
The following activities are also prohibited as part of the fire restrictions:
– Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or in the designated recreation sites listed above.
– Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest system roads or trails.
– Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
– Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
– Forest visitors are able to continue riding off-highway vehicles on designated roads and trails, provided that the vehicles are equipped with the required spark arresters. Spark arresters are also required on chainsaws being used for people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may only be used on designated roads and trails.
Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.
For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316.
NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the man who they said shot and killed his father and wounded his older brother on Monday along Highway 101 near Willits.
Capt. Greg Van Patten said Ubaldo Ramirez Davila, 23, of Covelo is the suspect in the shooting.
Calixto Ramirez, 51, died at the scene, while his son, Miguel Ramirez, 30, was transported to an out-of-county hospital by air ambulance and remains in critical condition, Van Patten said.
Deputies responded to the area of Mile Post Marker 35 on North Highway 101 south of Golden Rule Shortly before 4:45 p.m., with initial reports suggesting there had been a vehicle crash, according to Van Patten’s original report.
Van Patten said that when the deputies arrived, they found the Ramirezes in a maroon 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that was stopped in the southbound traffic lanes of north Highway 101.
The investigation began immediately, and Van Patten said it was thanks to the assistance of the public that Ubaldo Ramirez was located on Tuesday at 1:30 a.m. in a parking lot in the 77800 block of Highway 162 in Covelo.
He was taken into custody without incident for the homicide of his father and the attempted homicide of his brother, Van Patten said.
Ubaldo Ramirez was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he is being held without bail.
Specific details regarding the shooting are not being released at this time due to pending followup investigations by sheriff's detectives, Van Patten said.
Any persons with information about this incident, including anyone who might have seen Ubaldo Ramirez between the scene on Monday and Covelo on Tuesday are encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.
Capt. Greg Van Patten said Ubaldo Ramirez Davila, 23, of Covelo is the suspect in the shooting.
Calixto Ramirez, 51, died at the scene, while his son, Miguel Ramirez, 30, was transported to an out-of-county hospital by air ambulance and remains in critical condition, Van Patten said.
Deputies responded to the area of Mile Post Marker 35 on North Highway 101 south of Golden Rule Shortly before 4:45 p.m., with initial reports suggesting there had been a vehicle crash, according to Van Patten’s original report.
Van Patten said that when the deputies arrived, they found the Ramirezes in a maroon 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that was stopped in the southbound traffic lanes of north Highway 101.
The investigation began immediately, and Van Patten said it was thanks to the assistance of the public that Ubaldo Ramirez was located on Tuesday at 1:30 a.m. in a parking lot in the 77800 block of Highway 162 in Covelo.
He was taken into custody without incident for the homicide of his father and the attempted homicide of his brother, Van Patten said.
Ubaldo Ramirez was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he is being held without bail.
Specific details regarding the shooting are not being released at this time due to pending followup investigations by sheriff's detectives, Van Patten said.
Any persons with information about this incident, including anyone who might have seen Ubaldo Ramirez between the scene on Monday and Covelo on Tuesday are encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.