MENDOCINO CO., 7/10/24 –– A wildfire near Covelo that started Monday afternoon and spread to a nearby structure turned tragic when fire personnel discovered burned human remains.
A 9-1-1 call came in at approximately 2:06 p.m. Monday reporting that a burn pile escaped and had spread to the wildland and a structure in the 94500 block of Mina Road north of Covelo.
According to Cal Fire and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), first responders arrived at approximately 2:17 p.m. to find a rapidly spreading fire, including a building that was almost fully involved. A man on the scene told first responders that a family member was missing –– 66-year-old Dagmar Stankova. Stankova was a resident of the house that was involved in the fire. She was last seen trying to protect her home from the fire, using a garden hose to fight the flames.
MCSO deputies were unable to search the residence due to the intensity of the fire, and a missing persons report was filed.
Around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, fire personnel reportedly found what they suspected to be human remains in the burned house. MCSO detectives and Cal Fire prevention officers arrived at the scene, which was still a working fire. The human remains were located, though the body was unable to be identified due to its condition.
Because of Stankova’s proximity to the building when she was last seen, MCSO is reporting that the remains “are believed to be Stankova based on the investigation and circumstances of the fire. Stankova’s next of kin is aware of this case and is assisting with this investigation.”
The MCSO Coroner’s Office is overseeing an autopsy. Cal Fire is conducting an investigation regarding the cause of the fire.
MCSO is asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact the office at 707-463-4086. Information can also be provided anonymously through the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100.
The Mina Fire is still an active fire, which is 50% contained and 98 acres in size according to this morning’s Cal Fire report. Evacuation warnings remain in place. Updates about the fire can be found here.