Surfwood fire: All residents safely evacuated; bottom floor of home remains intact. County elections office follows up with calls after email delay—short staffing cited as cause
Surfwood fire: swift response, safe escape, and a reminder of who shows up when it matters. Everyone—including the dog—made it out safely and was already outside when the Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department arrived to battle Wednesday night’s blaze in Surfwood. The fire broke out shortly after 9 p.m. and tore through the second floor of a beautiful home. Thanks to the department’s rapid response, the flames were contained before they could destroy the first floor.
Still, the smoke damage is extensive, and the house may be a total loss. The victims are beloved locals—woven into the fabric of both Fort Bragg and Mendocino—who’ve already weathered more than their share of heartbreak.
The fire was extinguished quickly, but the emotional toll lingers. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile things can be—and how vital it is to have neighbors who run toward danger when others are running out.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider supporting your local fire department—not just with donations or volunteer hours, but with your vote. Firefighters rely on public funding to maintain equipment, train personnel, and keep response times fast. That means tax bonds, parcel assessments, and budget allocations matter. When those measures come up on the ballot, they’re not just numbers—they’re lifelines.
Support the people who protect your home, your family, and your future. They don’t just fight fires—they fight for us.
Election glitch resolved quickly. An inspector flagged issues with setup for Tuesday’s one-issue ballot—mostly drop-offs, but voters can still register and receive a ballot on the spot, or request a replacement through verification. Inspectors are hired for physical precincts, with judges and clerks brought in as needed.
The usual email notice didn’t go out last week, and no advance message was sent about today’s training. Some were still waiting on ballots and supplies from Katrina Bartolomie and her team. But the county stepped in, calling everyone individually to confirm training times.
Today’s session at Fort Bragg’s Vets Hall went smoothly—word got out, and everyone showed.
We reached out to County Clerk Katrina Bartolomie on Wednesday after hearing about the delay and offered to help spread the word if needed. Her reply was swift and reassuring: “Thank you for offering, but our Admin Asst was just a little behind—we’ve called everyone as of about half an hour ago, and all the notifications were mailed yesterday… we’re short-handed,” Katrina said.
Despite the hiccup, the system held. The people showed up. And the vote will go on.
