Fire crews quickly knocked out a blaze that erupted on Sunday evening along Highway 53 in Clearlake.
The fast moving grass fire burned 8 acres, but caused no structural damage. It did, however, approach a commercial building with several vehicles parked in an adjacent lot before crews gained control of the situation.
Smoke was reported at 5:12 p.m. on Sunday rising from a patch of grass off Highway 53 near Ogulin Canyon Road. The fire expanded rapidly. Crews began arriving on the scene within minutes. By 5:20 p.m. authorities had closed the highway to traffic.
Two engines from the Lake County Fire Protection District in Clearlake joined four CalFire trucks in the battle. They employed a water tender, two bulldozers and a helicopter in the effort. In all, 60 firefighters fought the blaze.
“The long-standing cooperative aid agreement we enjoy with our Lakeshore partners enable us to seamlessly protect values at risk safely, effectively, and efficiently,” said CalFire chief Scott Upton in a press statement on Monday.
CalFire declared the fire 100 percent contained and reopened the road by 6:40 p.m. Two hours later the smell of smoke still hung in the air.
The cause remains under investigation. There were no injuries reported.
