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EVACUATE NOW: Mendocino Blaze Jumps to 200 Acres
Wildfire Alert: The Feliz Fire in Mendocino County — What You Need to Know
What Happened?
Imagine a campfire that got way too big and started eating up the forest — that’s basically what a wildfire is. On Saturday afternoon, a fire nicknamed the Feliz Fire started near Hopland in Mendocino County (that’s in Northern California, southeast of a town called Ukiah).
Important Point: This fire grew really fast — from 40 acres to 200 acres in just a few hours. That’s like going from the size of 30 football fields to 150 football fields in almost no time!
Where Is This Happening?
- County: Mendocino County
- Area: Hopland (a small community)
- Nearby landmark: Feliz Creek Road
- Major road at risk: U.S. Highway 101 — a big north-south highway that lots of cars and trucks use
How Big Is the Fire?
| Time | Size | What That Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| 3:40 p.m. (when first reported) | 40 acres | About 30 football fields |
| Saturday afternoon (latest update) | 200 acres | About 150 football fields |
That’s 5 times bigger in just a few hours!
Evacuation Information — Know the Difference
Officials use two main words. Here’s what they mean in plain English:
Evacuation ORDER — "Leave NOW"
- Where: Feliz Creek Road area
- Meaning: Danger is right here, right now. Grab your family, pets, and go-bag — do not wait.
Evacuation WARNING — "Get READY to leave"
- Where:
- Downtown Hopland
- Saracina Vineyards
- West to Hewlett Sturtevant Road
- Meaning: Fire might come your way soon. Pack your car, load pets, and stay alert. Be ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
What Should You Do? (Step-by-Step)
-
Stay informed — Check official sources like:
- Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office alerts
- Cal Fire website or app
- Local news (radio, TV, trusted websites)
-
Pack a "go-bag" NOW (even if you’re only under a warning):
- Medications & glasses
- Important documents (IDs, insurance)
- Phone + charger + power bank
- Cash & credit cards
- Clothes for 3 days
- Pet food, leashes, carriers
-
Prep your car — Park facing out (toward the road), gas tank full, keys in hand.
-
Make a family plan — Where will you meet if separated? Who’s your out-of-town contact?
- If ORDERED to leave — GO IMMEDIATELY. Don’t wait to "see how it looks." Fires move faster than you think.
Summary
- The Feliz Fire exploded from 40 to 200 acres Saturday afternoon near Hopland, Mendocino County.
- U.S. Highway 101 may be affected — expect closures or delays.
- Evacuation ORDER for Feliz Creek Road = Leave now.
- Evacuation WARNING for downtown Hopland, Saracina Vineyards, and west to Hewlett Sturtevant Road = Be packed and ready.
- Stay alert, stay informed, and leave early if told to.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
What does "200 acres" actually look like?
Think of 150 football fields side by side. That’s a lot of burning land.
Why are there two different alerts (Order vs. Warning)?
- Order = Fire is at your doorstep. Life is in danger right now.
- Warning = Fire could reach you soon. Time to prepare, not panic.
Can I stay and defend my house?
No. Firefighters say: Your life matters more than your stuff. Homes can be rebuilt. You can’t.
What if Highway 101 closes?
Have a backup route ready. Check Caltrans QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) for real-time road info.
Where do I go if I evacuate?
Listen for official shelter locations — they’ll be announced via emergency alerts, news, and county social media. Don’t guess. Go where you’re told.
Source: Bay City News, Inc. (Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.)
