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CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. –
Wind-blown forest fires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others as they traversed dry scrub in rural northern California.
The Pawnee fire has increased to 8700 acres. The fire that erupted on Saturday near the Clearlake Oaks community destroyed 12 buildings and threatened 600 others. On Sunday, there was no confinement. The authorities ordered people to evacuate all homes in the Spring Valley area, where about 3,000 people live.
"What we emphasize is that people, when they get the evacuation order, respect it immediately and go out until it's safe to come back" said Jonathan Cox, battalion chief of the Department of Forests and Fire Protection. "It's one of four big fires burning in northern California, which reminds us that the fire season is imminent."
The uneven winds and heat that blew California from San Jose to the Oregon border propelled the flames, which were north of the wine region where devastating fires killed 44 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses last October.
Further north, a fire that stretches about three-quarters of a mile in Tehama County has destroyed "several residential and commercial buildings," Cal Fire said. But the fire department seemed to be making good progress – Stoll's fire was half-contained and some evacuees were allowed to return home, the authorities said.
RELATED: Thousands evacuate to Lake County as fire burns over 7,000 acres
A second fire in Tehama County consumed 5.5 square miles (14 square kilometers), but no building was burned. The so-called Lane Fire threatened 200 structures and some homes were evacuated, said Cox. It was 10% content.
A fire in neighboring Shasta County rose to 1.6 square miles (4.14 square kilometers) and was contained at 20 percent. The so-called stream fire did not damage any structure but evacuated quickly.
The cause of each fire was under investigation Sunday. Nobody was hurt.
More than 230 firefighters using helicopters, bulldozers and other equipment were fighting against Pawnee fire in a hilly area that made it difficult to get close to the equipment.
"It's sort of the worst combination possible," Cox said.
Matthew Henderson, who was in the area taking pictures, said he saw the fire jump on a road to a place, briefly cutting off access to a part of Spring Valley until the firefighters repel him.
VACUUM ORDERS AND RESOURCES
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the entire Spring Valley subdivision of Clearlake Oaks, Cal Fire said. The latest evacuation information can be found here.
Around 4 pm Sunday, the authorities expanded the mandatory evacuation zone after Highway 20 north and east of Old Long Valley Road to Round Ball Road. Areas include Mule Skinner, Long Branch, Watertrough Road, Fintlock, Muzzleloader, No Guns, Antelope, Cougar, Marianne, Ramrod and Moccasin.
Some residents only escaped with the clothes on their backs. Fortunately, a family told ABC7 News has managed to get his cat out of his house.
Officials say please remember your pets, personal belongings, computers, prescriptions, photos, documents and phones if the weather permits. Please try to close all windows and doors as well when evacuating.
An evacuation center has been established at Lower Lake High School, located at 9430 Lake Street. The Red Cross is preparing to accommodate up to 300 evacuees.
Sheriff Martin added that there is an alternative evacuation site at Moose Lodge, located at the junction of Highway 53 and Highway 20. The lodge, which features 39, a bar and a restaurant, is very popular with locals. burst.
The authorities are encouraging residents of the area to conserve water so that firefighters can use it to fight the rapidly spreading fire.
There are several road closures in and around the Spring Valley Subdivision. More than 20 engines were sent to contain the fire, as well as two helicopters and several tankers. The fire is driven by low relative humidity, strong winds, said Cal Fire.
(Copyright © 2018 by Associated Press, all rights reserved.)
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