CLEARLAKE ? A double-wide mobile home was destroyed by fire late Wednesday night at Phillips and 35th avenues in Clearlake.
The fire was reportedly caused by combustible items being placed too close to a heater.
The family of three, who resided in the home, escaped the blaze without injury.
“The occupants had evacuated prior to our arrival so nobody got hurt,” Lake County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Willie Sapeta said. “It was an older mobile home and they are just not built with the fire protection materials like the newer ones are. Thank God they got the child out. It could have been devastating.”
According to Sapeta, the fire was about 25-percent involved upon units” arrival.
“We had it contained in about a half an hour and we had about two hours overhaul,” he said. “We had arcing lines for probably the first 20 minutes of fire suppression. PG&E was called out to disconnect the power lines.”
Two engines, water tenders, medic units and battalion chiefs responded to the blaze, which occurred close to 10 p.m., along with 12 firefighting personnel.
The Lake County Red Cross also responded with assistance.
“We provided assistance for the family with shelter and vouchers for personal needs,” Pam Plank, Lake County Red Cross disaster coordinator said. “We also provided them with referrals to different agencies such as the Dorcus Society through Seventh Day Adventist Church. We also gave them referrals to St. Vincent DePaul, Lake County Community Action Agency and Social Services. These are typical services, which are funded through generous donations from the community.”
According to Plank, the Lake County Red Cross, on average, assists approximately 35 families each year.
“This is probably our seventh or eighth client we”ve assisted this year,” she said. “To continue the services that we provide to the community we depend on the generosity of the people.”
The Lake County Red Cross hosts a fund-raising bingo game the first Saturday of every month at the Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Avenue in Lakeport.
Doors open at noon and the first game begins at 1 p.m. Snacks are available for purchase.
Anyone wishing to donate directly to the program can send a check, payable to Lake County Red Cross, to 401 Martin Street, Lakeport, CA 95453; or call 272-3665 for more information.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
