NORTH COAST, Calif. – Firefighters are gaining ground on a wildland fire that began on Sunday in Mendocino County, leading to evacuations and a temporary closure of a portion of Highway 20 from Upper Lake to Ukiah.

Cal Fire said Sunday night that the Burris fire had burned 350 acres and was 20-percent contained.

It began on Sunday afternoon on Potter Valley Road and Highway 20, east of Calpella, in Mendocino County.

In response to the fire's rapid spread, Sheriff Tom Allman called for mandatory evacuations along Highway 20 east from Potter Valley Road to the Lake County line.

Evacuations warnings also are in effect for Vista Del Lago, Elledge Ranch Road, King Ranch Road, Horseshoe Circle and all of northeast Lake Mendocino in the Cold Creek Ranch area, as well as Highway 20 south to Highway 175, east of the Russian River and west of the Lake County line.

An evacuation center was opened at the Ukiah Veteran’s Hall, 2937 Seminary. A large animal evacuation center is located at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 N. State Street, Ukiah.

For several hours on Sunday, the fire resulted in a closure of a portion of Highway 20 between Upper Lake and Ukiah.

On Sunday night the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said Highway 20 had reopened to one lane of controlled traffic in the immediate fire area. Drivers are asked to avoid Highway 20 unless it is absolutely necessary.

Assigned resources on Sunday night included 229 personnel, 21 engines, two water tenders, one helicopter, nine hand crews and four dozers, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said the fire's cause is under investigation.

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