CLEARLAKE — A raging fire ripped through an entire block around 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Clearlake Park.
The blaze destroyed at least three structures and threatened as many as dozen more.
A mass of area resources responded to the scene with a CAL FIRE helicopter hitting the flames from the air while firefighters from at least six districts attacked it from the ground.
Within minutes of ignition the fire spread rapidly, making fuel of the wildland area situated between Lakeshore Drive and Arrowhead Road, which lies atop the crest to the north. Strong gusts of wind caused additional havoc during the incident, allowing the fire to jump at least two roadways.
Residents of the area immediately reacted with some knocking on doors to inform their neighbors of the situation; some watering down roofs and yards and others removing valuables from their homes in preparation of a quick evacuation if needed.
According to Lake County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Charlie Diener, the fire was contained about an hour and 15 minutes into the suppression effort; however, he said containment was “shaky,” citing a potential for spotting. At that time Diener, said the suppression effort would turn to focus on the three structures, which he said were still burning.
No other details regarding the fire were available as of press time Thursday.
