UPDATE 3:25PM 7/26/17 — The fire has been contained at around a half acre in size, according to CalFire’s Public Information Officer Tricia Austin.
MENDOCINO CO., 7/26/17 — A fire broke out about five miles northwest of Laytonville near Bowman Road on Wednesday afternoon. Cal Fire reported the blaze around 3:45 p.m.
A reader shared photos showing at least one helicopter making a water drop. Another nearby resident said the smoke column has since dissipated.
Here are some pictures taken by Bryan Kanthack:
#Laytonville4-1 Report of smoke showing near Bowman Rd area, Laytonville. CAL FIRE & Laytonville Fire making access. pic.twitter.com/uNrBWsqG97
— CAL FIRE Mendocino (@CALFIRE_MEU) July 26, 2017
Wasn’t there a fire north of Laytonville reported about 10 last night?
Was this a lightning-strike fire?
We’re not sure about the cause, it started this afternoon according to CalFire. There were a few small fires started by the lightning storm but as far as we know they were quickly contained over night.