CLEARLAKE OAKS — “Safe and Sane” fireworks are thought to be the cause of two blazes in the Northshore Fire Protection District (NFPD). The first fire ignited on July 4 and the second on July 8, NFPD Battalion Chief (BC) Pat Brown said.
According to BC Brown, the wildland fires ignited along Elem Drive in Clearlake Oaks. He said the July 4 fire, which ignited at approximately 6:53 a.m., burned about a half acre. The July 8 fire, which started around 4:27 a.m., burned about two acres.
Three NFPD engines and a battalion chief responded to each of the fires. Two engines from CalFire Clearlake Oaks Station also responded. Personnel on each suppression effort totaled 13.
BC Brown said that NFPD/Lake County Sheriff Arson Investigator Chris Vallierga recovered two “Safe and Sane” fireworks during investigation of the July 8 fire. He said Ground Bloom Flowers were apparently thrown into the grass area along Elem Drive.
Investigation of the fires continues.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
