LAKE COUNTY >> Last year’s Rocky Fire was ignited by a faulty water heater on the site of illegal marijuana grow, officials said Thursday.
The fire — which started on July 29, 2015, destroying 43 homes and nearly 70,000 acres — is still under investigation, Cal Fire Public Information Officer Daniel Berlant said. Investigators believe that key witness have fled the country.
Further details weren’t released, but multiple media organizations have reported that the heater was strapped to a tree close to about 100 marijuana plants.
Alleged Clayton Fire arsonist Damin Pashilk is not a suspect in last year’s Jerusalem Fire, but its investigation is incomplete.
Clayton Fire Update
As of 6 p.m. Thursday, the fire is at 3,929 acres and 60 percent containment. According to Cal Fire Public Information Officer Lynette Round, nearly 2,000 firefighters continued building on the momentum they gained in the last two days
“Our night operations are working well with the cool weather,” she said. “They are making great strides out there.”
There were no updates, though, on lifted evacuation orders in the burn area or when new ones will be announced. Round said she hopes to hear something in the next few days.
“They need to make sure those places are safe for residences to go back in,” she added.
Fire crews on Wednesday evening got together and conducted a thorough cleaning of downtown Lower Lake through Thursday morning. A total of four separate strike teams were on hand to pull weeds, sweep the streets, rebuild fences and pick up debris.
“We want to leave it better than what it was,” Round noted. “They’ve had a rough time; we just want to make sure it’s clean.”
St. Helena Hospital in Clearlake resumed operations on Wednesday and continued treating patients on Thursday. According to marketing and communication manager Cambria Wheeler, the hospital was fully staffed — despite some employees losing their homes in the fire.
“Hospital employees whose homes had been evacuated actively participated in incident command and preparations to reopen, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to this community, the hospital and the needs of our neighbors,” Wheeler said. “The hospital is committed to supporting all employees affected by the Clayton Fire.”
For those that have returned to their homes, a boil water order was issued by the Lower Lake County Water District Thursday afternoon.
The system and district office sustained heavy damage during the fire, so the utility is currently receiving assistance from Lake County Special Districts. It advised survivors get bottled water before they return home, check their lines, use water sparingly and boil water for at least one minute. If possible, Administrator Jan Coppinger further suggested that survivors remain in shelters for a few days until service is restored.
Meanwhile, state representatives have met with local officials to discuss the acquisition of resources for the upcoming recovery.
“Everyone’s focus right now is on the initial damage assessment,” State Sen. Mike McGuire said. “It drives the resources in the months to come.”
Sacramento will be looking at three areas, he added, in determining the amount of assistance: the number of properties damaged or destroyed, the emergency response cost, and the health impacts on the public and environment.
At the moment, authorities are evaluating the damage in each neighborhood. According to the senator, they should be done by this weekend or early next week.
The report will be sent to the California Office of Emergency Services, which will then send it off to the federal for consideration of a presidential disaster declaration.
“Based off initial assessment, the Clayton Fire may not be eligible for a federal emergency declaration but we have to wait until the final assessment report is submitted,” McGuire said.
More information will be announced at a free BBQ and meeting scheduled at 5:30 p.m. today at the Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake.
“This is personal for me, we have been deeply involved in the rebuilding and recovery with the valley and we are ready to take the next challenge on,” he said, adding that he will attend the function. “What should be a once in a life time disaster, is becoming an annual event in Lake County. We are going to rebuild and rebuild stronger.”
