CLEARLAKE — A strategic initial attack contributed to the quick suppression of a fire Tuesday at the end of Dam Road in Clearlake. The fire burned about an acre and a half of dry vegetation.
Apparent cause of the fire was from a mower.
The owner of the property said he was very thankful for the quick response and suppression tactics of the Lake County Fire Protection District (LCFPD) and CalFire units that responded. “As you can see (the vegetation) is cut down and it still took off,” he said
The property owner, who wished to remain unidentified, said that his assistant began mowing the field at 5 a.m. that morning and was just finishing the job up when the fire started, which toned-out at exactly noon.
“We are experiencing very dry and windy conditions,” LCFPD Battalion Chief George Murch said. “People should remember to mow early, preferably before 10 a.m.”
A full CalFire wildfire attack was requested. Murch said firefighters were able to contain the blaze with CalFire”s aerial attack and the LCFPD water tender on the ground. He said initially the fire presented a risk to houses east of the fire where a row of pine trees stand. However, the tactical efforts of firefighters who initiated their attack in that area prevented the easterly spread of the fire.
The fire was completely contained within about 30 minutes with about a half-hour of mop up.
The suppression effort included response of about two dozen firefighters, CalFire helicopter, a medic unit and battalion chiefs from both agencies.
Murch said the upcoming weekend presents elevated concerns for area fire companies. “We are concerned about the Fourth of July holiday weekend,” he said. “We have a lot of fuel out there due to the wet winter.
Illegal use of fireworks could present extreme danger. Remember, all fireworks in Lake County are illegal.”
Chief Ken Wells of Lakeport Fire Protection District said that “safe and sane” fireworks are available for purchase in Lakeport; however, the items must be used in Lakeport and they cannot be transported outside the city”s limits.
He said once the fireworks leave Lakeport city limits the person transporting them is in violation of County Code Section 5-4f.1, which states that it is unlawful for any person to possess, sell, use or explode any fireworks within the unincorporated area of Lake County, including those labeled as “safe and sane.”
Furthermore, the section declares that sparklers, which are defined as a stick or wire coated with a pyrotechnic composition that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition are classified as dangerous fireworks and are not allowed in the State of California.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
