A fast-moving Northern California wildfire exploded from just 40 acres to more than 500 in less than three hours Saturday, forcing evacuations and shutting down part of Highway 101.
The Feliz Fire broke out near Feliz Creek Road in the Hopland area of Mendocino County, southeast of Ukiah, around 3:40 p.m.
By early evening, the blaze had ballooned to 501 acres as it tore through dry vegetation at what Cal Fire described as a “dangerous rate” sending firefighters scrambling to stop its rapid advance.
By 6:58 p.m., firefighters had reached 5% containment, according to Cal Fire.
Officials also placed downtown Hopland under an evacuation warning, urging residents to be ready to leave “at any moment.”
The rapidly growing fire also snarled traffic, prompting the closure of US Highway 101 between Burke Hill Road and the junction with Highway 175, according to Caltrans.
Fire officials ordered three night-flying helicopters and a night-flying helicopter supervisor to continue battling the blaze after sunset in hopes of slowing its advance.
An evacuation center was established at the Mendocino County Office of Education, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah, for residents forced from their homes.
Officials also opened the Mendocino County Animal Shelter on Plant Road in Ukiah for displaced pets, while livestock and other large animals were directed to the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Feliz Fire is the latest wildfire to erupt across California during another dangerous summer fire season, with hot, dry conditions fueling explosive fire growth across much of the state.
