Grange Fire morning report: Five percent containment, fire burns 80 acres

MENDOCINO Co. , 7/26/24 – Fire crews continue to make progress on the Grange Fire which has been burning along California State Route 128 in the heart of Anderson Valley since Thursday afternoon.  

According to Cal Fire, the fire was first reported around 3:38 p.m. on Thursday in the 9800 block of California State Highway 128 in Boonville. The fire has been named the Grange Fire due to its proximity to the Anderson Valley Grange. 

In its morning report, Cal Fire reported that the fire covers an estimated 80 acres and is five percent contained, up from zero percent Thursday night. Forward progress was stopped overnight, meaning the fire is no longer spread and growing.

Cal Fire reports that one structure was destroyed and five damaged. The Anderson Valley Grange reported on social media that the Grange “is fine and being used as a staging area for firefighters.” National Public Radio affiliate KZYX reported that it’s station is “still standing” and the station is back on the air after a brief outage on Thursday afternoon.

Fire crews totaling 150 personnel from throughout the area are fighting the fire. Two helicopters are supporting the fight from the air. First responders include Cal Fire, local fire agencies, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the Ukiah Police Department and California Highway Patrol.  

Law enforcement agencies have not officially announced the cause of the fire. It remains under investigation according to Cal Fire.

While most evacuation orders have been lifted, one still remains in place for zone  MEN-3BON01-B.  The area includes Vista Ranch Road.  

Evacuation warnings (as opposed to an order, which must be obeyed immediately) are in place for zones MEN-03PLO02, MEN-03PLO01, MEN-3BON01-A, MEN-3BON02 and MEN-3BON03. The sheriff asks that residents be prepared to evacuate if asked and to do so early if they feel unsafe. Residents can visit mendoready.org for more information. 

The Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville is operating as an evacuation center for people and livestock. Small animals can be evacuated to the Ukiah Animal Shelter at 298 Plant Rd., Ukiah. 

Individuals needing wildfire recovery support can contact United Disaster Relief of Northern California. The organization will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 1240 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, (707) 489-3970. The Anderson Valley Health Center is open regular business hours, including for medication pick-up for evacuees.

Power has been restored for PG&E customers after an outage that started early Thursday evening.  

A widespread AT&T internet outage impacted customers in Anderson Valley on the coast overnight. According to AT&T’s internet outage map, power has been restored.  

California Highway Patrol reports that Highway 128 is open again with one-way traffic control.  

County Supervisor Ted Williams, a firefighter, worked the Grange Fire Thursday night. In a social media post, Williams shared “I saw teamwork by firefighters from around the county, CalFire, law enforcement, CalTrans, PG&E, and AT&T. I also witnessed the destructive force of fire on a dry landscape. I am grateful for all the people involved at the scene and those supporting from afar. More than ever, we need to prevent ignition.”  

Note: Sarah Stierch covers breaking news, weather, food, fun and more for The Mendocino Voice. Contact Stierch at sarah@mendovoice.com. The Voice and Bay City News retains editorial control.