Former Staff Writer

Fire & Emergency

After decades, Two Rock Lookout tower near Willits will again have eyes on the sky

by Sarah Reith March 5, 2026March 8, 2026

Fire detection cameras can scan a substantial chunk of Mendocino County for signs of fire. Funding came just in time.

Flames burn through dry grass along the edge of a roadway during a controlled or grass fire, sending thick gray smoke into a clear blue sky, with low hills visible in the background.

Fire & Emergency

Crowd turns out to learn about beneficial burns inland and on the coast

by Sarah Reith February 14, 2026February 14, 2026

The Mendocino County Prescribed Burn Association hosts a Q&A at Anderson Valley Brewing Company

A crew of workers in high-visibility jackets and hard hats cut and clear a fallen tree on a steep, wooded hillside, surrounded by tall trees, leaf-covered ground, and dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.

Fire & Emergency

Brooktrails finds a path to treat hazardous vegetation on private parcels

by Sarah Reith January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

A collaboration between the Fire Safe Council, township officials and the California Conservation Corps is addressing overgrown parcels that threaten nearby homes.

Two people stand on a grassy, wooded hillside as one gestures toward a tree, with sunlight streaming through dense foliage and casting long beams across the forest floor.

Environment & Natural Resources

Sudden Oak Death continues to creep into southern Mendocino County

by Sarah Reith December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

A recent Fire Safe Council training gave tips to fuel reduction specialists to slow the spread of the disease.

Two men stand on a forested hillside; one leans against a tree while the other gestures upward with one hand and holds a large folder or board in the other, surrounded by dense woods and fallen leaves.

Fire & Emergency

Fuel break project strengthens wildfire protection for Ukiah and Mendocino Coast

by Sarah Reith November 14, 2025November 15, 2025

Mendocino County Fire Safe Council is partnering with Mendocino Redwood Company to thin trees and understory in western Ukiah. Now they’re asking landowners to do their part.