Firefighters are battling the rapidly growing Feliz Fire near Hopland in Mendocino County, California, after a vegetation fire broke out Saturday afternoon, prompting evacuation warnings that quickly escalated into mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the affected area.
The fire was first reported around 3:48 p.m. near Feliz Creek Road, north of Hopland and west of U.S. Highway 101. Initial estimates placed the blaze at approximately 25 acres, but within a short time the fire expanded to about 40 acres, fueled by dry grass, oak woodland, and favorable fire conditions.
Authorities initially issued an evacuation warning for areas along Feliz Creek Road east toward Highway 101, urging residents to prepare to leave immediately if conditions worsened. As fire activity intensified, officials upgraded the alert to an Evacuation Order for Zone MEN-2HOP04, advising everyone within the zone to evacuate without delay due to the immediate threat to life and property.
A large emergency response has been deployed to contain the wildfire. Ground crews are being supported by air tankers, CAL FIRE helicopters, bulldozers, and additional hand crews. Law enforcement officers from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol have also responded to assist with evacuations, traffic control, and public safety operations.
Fire officials established an incident command near 3580 Feliz Creek Road while additional firefighting resources were requested as flames continued spreading through the rugged terrain. Residents have been advised to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel unobstructed access to the incident.
As of the latest update, firefighters continue working to slow the fire’s spread. The cause of the wildfire has not yet been announced, and evacuation zones may change as conditions evolve. Residents are encouraged to remain alert for official updates and follow all evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.