THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Firefighters from state and federal agencies are responding to a fast-moving new wildland fire in the Cow Mountain area.

Cal Fire and US Forest Service firefighters worked for about a half hour to reach the remote fire – called the “Scotts Incident” – at about 2 p.m. Friday after a “massive column” of smoke was reported near Cow Mountain, which straddles Lake and Mendocino counties.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. the fire was estimated to be between 175 and 200 acres, and rapidly moving up small drainages, burning up grass and other vegetation, according to reports from the scene.

Firefighters were able to access the fire off Scotts Valley Road and off of Highway 20. At first it was not clear if the fire was on the Lake or Mendocino side of the mountain. Cal Fire later said it was in Mendocino County, but Lakeport Fire Chief Ken Wells said it also was in Lake.

Julie Cooley, a fire prevention specialist with the Cal Fire Mendocino Unit, said initial information indicated that the fire was near the headwaters of Scotts Creek.

Air resources were being diverted from the 16 Complex in Colusa County to go to the new fire, which was going to be difficult to access from the ground, according to radio reports. A call was being made for aircraft and bulldozers.

A total of five tankers and one helicopter were assigned, with one additional helicopter to be assigned, according to reports from the scene.

Visibility is poor due to heavy smoke, making the going difficult for the air resources, radio reports indicated.

Additional details will posted as they become available.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .