MENDOCINO CO., 8/13/25 – Fire crews have contained a wildfire burning in unincorporated northern Mendocino County near Laytonville.
The fire was first reported Wednesday, resulting in evacuations in the immediate area. Evacuations were lifted Thursday.
Named the “Pond Fire,” the wildfire is 25 acres in size and 100% contained as of Wednesday morning.
Here’s the latest.
Fire is fully contained at 25 acres
As of Wednesday morning, the Pond Fire is 100% contained at 25 acres, Cal Fire said.
Forward progress was stopped Wednesday night, according to Cal Fire. This means the fire is no longer growing in size, but has yet to be contained.
Crews from six fire departments are supporting the response effort, Cal Fire said. At its height, 181 firefighters were attacking the fire.
Evacuation orders lifted for Pond Fire
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office lifted the evacuation orders for the Pond Fire on the night of Wednesday, Aug. 6. Fire crews remained on the scene to further contain the fire.
Crews supported the firefight from the air, dropping retardant from planes and helicopters.
Pond Fire started the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug.6, growing to over 20 acres within two hours
The blaze, dubbed the “Pond Fire” by Cal Fire, burned off U.S. Highway 101, two miles north of the unincorporated community of Laytonville.
It was first reported around 3:37 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Within an hour, it had grown to an estimated 17 acres in size, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire estimated the fire was 23 acres in size with zero containment as of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evening. The agency also reported that 20 structures were threatened as firefighters worked to protect buildings and contain the fire.
On Thursday morning, Cal Fire reported that the fire was at 25 acres after better aerial mapping.
Evacuation orders and warnings issued for area north of Laytonville
Shortly after the fire was reported, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for Woodruff Road and an evacuation warning for zone MEN-1LAY04 and MEN-1LAY05.
The Laytonville Lions Club served as an evacuation center.
More information about evacuations and emergency readiness can be found at http://www.mendoready.org.
Thank you for the information an update. We appreciate that much as a laytonville resident.
Thanks John. That means a lot. We appreciate you reading the Mendocino Voice and please stay safe!