CLEARLAKE >> As fire crews continued to hold the Sulphur Fire at a stalemate, extending the containment line to 55 percent on Friday morning, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office lifted all mandatory evacuation orders related to the blaze.
While residents are allowed back to their neighborhoods, a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew remains in effect for areas without power.
“Power is in the process of being restored,” said LCSO Lt. Corey Paulich in a prepared statement. “The roads are being cleared of debris.”
Due to ongoing power restoration efforts by PG&E, access to all areas west of Mendocino Avenue will be via North Road. Paulich cautioned Returning residents to stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate again on short notice.
The area will remain under an evacuation advisory.
Fire personnel have requested that all residents be alert to crews and other emergency staff that will be assessing damage throughout the region and continuing to build containment against the Sulphur Fire.
Drones are prohibited as they may interfere with ongoing aerial fire suppression operations.
With an overnight curfew in place in some areas, Paulich warned that anyone caught roaming within designated neighborhoods will be subject to possible arrest.
“Anyone seeing suspicious activity should report it to authorities immediately,” he said.
In addition to the downgrade to evacution advisory for the Sulphur Fire area, there are still evacuation advisories for the Middletown and Lake Pillsbury areas. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to monitor the fire activity related to the Tubbs, Pocket, and Redwood/Potter Fires.
“If the situation worsens the Sheriff’s Office will issue mandatory evacuation notices,” Paulich said.
Two evacuation shelters open. The shelters are located at Twin Pine Casino in Middletown and the Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 1111 Park Way in Lakeport.
