By Monday afternoon, all mandatory evacuations orders in Mendocino County had been lifted when residents of Van Arsdale Road and John Day Hill were allowed to return home.
However, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents that “evacuation warnings” were still in effect for Potter Valley areas including Van Arsdale Road, Oat Gap Road, Ridgewood Road and “all feeder roads.”
But for Potter Valley residents “south of Stroh Ranch, also known as John Day Hill, the evacuation warning has been lifted.”
Evacuation warnings were also lifted Monday for “all areas of Redwood Valley and all areas of Willits.”
As of 2 p.m. Oct. 16, Cal Fire reported that the Redwood Valley Fire had burned 35,800 acres and was 50 percent contained.
“The Southeast and Southwest perimeter fire lines continue to hold and firefighters continue to improve containment lines and patrol for hot spots,” Cal Fire officials reported. “On the southern perimeter fire line resources continue to actively mop up and extinguish hot spots around structures. There are approximately 900 evacuees affected by the Redwood Fire.”
To provide as much help as possible under one roof for those affected by the fires, Mendocino County officials said they are opening a Local Assistance Center in the gym at Mendocino College, 1000 Hensley Creek Road.
This multi-agency facility will include representatives from local, state, and federal agencies (building, employment, public health), non-profit agencies, counseling services, and other support services,” officials said in a press release. “If you need replacement of vital records or a new driver’s license, you can apply for those at the LAC. If you need assistance with food, clothing, temporary housing, or medical appointments you will be able to access all of this through the LAC.”
The LAC will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily for the next two weeks beginning Tuesday, Oct. 17.
