Large fire erupts at Occidental Arts and Ecology Center

A large fire erupted at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center on Tuesday night.

Multiple callers reported seeing a fire and hearing explosions near the center about 8:49 p.m., according to a Redcom dispatcher. The center, an 80-acre research and education facility on Coleman Valley Road west of Occidental, develops strategies for the restoration of biological and cultural diversity.

Flames engulfed a barn, vehicle, outbuilding and some surrounding wildland, the dispatcher said. It was not immediately clear yet how the fire started.

Firefighters from multiple agencies were fighting the blaze well into the night. Redcom had not received reports of any injuries so far, the dispatcher said.

Staff Writer Guy Kovner contributed to this report. You can reach Staff Writer Chantelle Lee at 707-521-5337 or chantelle.lee@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ChantelleHLee.