LAKE COUNTY — Moments after response was dispatched for a structure fire in Nice a second blaze ignited at the top of Sulphur Bank Drive west of Clearlake. Both fires started just after noon on Friday.
Northshore Fire Protection District (NFPD) arrived on scene in Nice to a well involved structure fire on Black Oak Circle. The fire ignited in two-story, wooden residence. NFPD Firefighter/paramedic said that the fire was apparently caused by an electrical problem related to a marijuana growing operation and remains under the investigation of the Lake County Sheriff”s Department Task Force. He said the fire entered multiple upstairs bedrooms and ran through the attic. He said damage is estimated at $100,000.
Additional response on the Black Oak fire was provided by CalFire and Lakeport Fire Protection District. Units were on scene for about 2 hours.
The wildland fire on Sulphur Bank was contained within approximately 50 minutes and charred about 5 acres. Suppression included an aerial attack with use of two CalFire air tankers and a helicopter. Five CalFire engines and a dozer also responded along with ground personnel and Konocti Conservation crews. Units were committed to scene for about three hours conducting mop-up procedures.
The second fire was located within heavy, dry vegetation and trees at the crest of Sulphur Bank Drive just south of North Drive. Units used a fire road off of North Drive to access the blaze.
Additional response on the Sulphur Bank fire was provided by Northshore and Lake County fire protection districts.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
