CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit

10/20/2026

Cooley Fire Update: Due to strategic fire suppression tactics, the fire is now 1,365 acres and 57% contained.

The weather is changing. Rain and possibly thunderstorms could impact the Cooley Fire. While moisture is expected to help moderate remaining hot spots, thunderstorms can create downdrafts and wind shifts that can both increase fire activity and create hazardous conditions for crews. The terrain continues to pose a challenge to firefighters as they work to identify natural control features like rock formations and streams.

Firefighters are focusing on strengthening containment line and mopping up hotspots. Crews remain focused on keeping the fire within established control lines.

Fire suppression repair is also underway. An intel flight this afternoon will identify the latest perimeter and hot spots.

Temperatures today are expected to hover around the mid-60’s, with light winds and high relative humidity.

For Cooley Fire updates throughout the day, sign up for alerts on AwareCA on your mobile device. ➡ https://aware.ca.gov

10/19/2026

Are you looking for the latest information on the ?
Then download AwareCA on your mobile device.

It's your official source for wildfire alerts and incident information, delivered directly by the professionals on the front line of the Cooley Fire.

AwareCA is designed to help you stay informed during wildfire emergencies. 🚨

On your mobile device, download AwareCA here: 🤳 📲
➡ https://aware.ca.gov

CAL FIRE

10/19/2026

Cooley Fire Update: Overnight, firefighters successfully completed strategic firing operations to consume available fuels and eliminate unburned vegetation in the path of the advancing Cooley Fire.

To effectively manage tactical operations and overcome significant access challenges, leadership established two distinct branches—the Elkhorn Branch to the north and the Rockpile Branch to the south—which together encompass seven operational divisions. The aggressive suppression efforts executed on Saturday set up today’s operational resources for continued success.

A dense marine layer is blanketing the fire area this morning, creating an inversion layer at approximately 1,000 feet. Fire activity above the 1,000-foot level continues to be dynamic and active. As atmospheric conditions shift throughout the day, an increase in fire activity is anticipated around 1 p.m., requiring firefighters to maintain heightened vigilance.

Today’s weather forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with temperatures hovering around 64 degrees, accompanied by localized areas of patchy smoke and fog.

There are currently no structural threats, and no power lines or critical utilities are compromised in the immediate area.

10/16/2026

🚫🚫 NO DRONES IN FIRE ZONES! 🚫🚫
When a drone enters restricted airspace, all firefighting aircraft in the area must stop flying immediately. Our aircraft fly low and fast through the same airspace that drones occupy, and the risk of a mid-air collision is very real.
We're tracking a record number of drones flying in active fire zones this year. Every drone that enters firefighting airspace delays critical work in containing wildfires and puts our firefighters' lives at greater risk. Keep your drone on the ground. If you fly, we can't.
CAL FIRE Air Ops

10/15/2026

CAL FIRE MEU would like to thank the community for being prepared!

🔥A Story from the Feliz Fire:

It's all about being prepared ahead of time! The successful outcome of the 872-acre Feliz Fire near Hopland in August (zero lives or homes lost, and containment west of Hwy 101) was thanks to prepared, quick, and effective action by our local fire districts, including those from neighboring counties, and CAL FIRE.

But great neighborhood preparedness – creating a Firewise Community, developing an alternate evacuation route, holding a neighborhood Evacuation Game event, doing residential fuel reduction (which allowed firefighters to focus more on the fire than on protecting homes), and promoting evacuation readiness – also played a very important role when the fire came close.

“In an emergency,” says Bernadette Byrne, "your brain kind of flatlines and you're in a total fight or flight (mode)." The blogpost linked below gives a firsthand example of how to avoid panic paralysis when a wildfire is approaching.

🔗Click the link to read the Feliz Fire blogpost: https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/when-the-feliz-fire-came-feliz-creek-neighbors-knew-what-to-do

10/15/2026

🚨 Now Hiring: Food Service Technician I

📍 Location: Fort Bragg, CA
💼 Classification: Food Service Technician I
🆔 JC-534562
💰 Salary Range: $3,329.00 - $4,163.00 per Month
📆 Final Filing Date: 10/24/2026

This is a great opportunity to join CAL FIRE and contribute to supporting the department’s mission and day-to-day operations.

🔗 Apply here: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=534562

If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply early.

Looking to make a difference? Join our strong and mighty workforce. We offer benefits and growth opportunities and impact the lives of millions of Californians.

10/09/2026

CAL FIRE firefighters serve in a variety of roles, including firefighters assigned to engines and hand crews.
Engine firefighters provide all-risk emergency response (structure fires, medical aid, hazmat), in addition to responding to wildfires. CAL FIRE engines are staffed with three or four firefighters.
Hand crew firefighters are primarily used during wildfires to cut fireline — clearing vegetation down to bare dirt to help slow or stop a fire’s advance. When not assigned to active wildfires, hand crews also support fuels reduction work by thinning overgrown vegetation in targeted areas.

Start your career at CAL FIRE at: JoinCALFIRE.com

10/06/2026

Everything you need. All in one app. 📲📲
Mendocino County, the AwareCA is available today, bringing trusted emergency information directly from first responders and emergency agencies to your phone.
Download AwareCA today and stay ready.

10/02/2026

✈ Ready before the call. Ready when it comes.
Our aviation resources are prepared to support wildfire operations whenever and
wherever they’re needed.
CAL FIRE Air Ops

09/30/2026

“I have the coolest job ever.”
After being impacted by the Tubbs Fire, Caitlin Grace found her way to CAL FIRE with a desire to help bring beneficial fire back to the landscape.
Today, as a Forestry Assistant II at CAL FIRE’s Jackson Demonstration State Forest, she gets to combine that passion with her love of research, from studying salamanders and mushrooms to better understanding the forests we work to protect.
(tag/collaborate) CAL FIRE JDSF
First comments: Learn how you can start a career with CAL FIRE at: JoinCALFIRE.com