CLEARLAKE >> On Wednesday afternoon, a lengthy agenda presided over by over 20 local and state officials marked the start of the recovery process after the devastating results of the Sulphur Fire.
The community recovery meeting, held at Clearlake City Hall, was divided into four main sections: Updates, Clean Up and Logistics, Care, Shelter, and Housing, and Questions and Answers. Speakers from the county, city, state, federal, and nonprofit organizations provided the public with the latest updates. Among them included Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom, Lake County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson, Lance Harbour from FEMA, Cal Fire Division Chief Greg Bertelli, and American Red Cross Regional Executive Trevor Riggen.
As recovery efforts take full force, Folsom began the meeting by reminding the public that the City of Clearlake website has a Sulphur Fire Recovery Information page that lists the latest updates on the fire and a list of varied resources, each with phone numbers. Along with him, Clearlake Vice Mayor Bruno Sabatier said that the Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Clearlake Senior Community Center is “the first place to start” for a thorough recovery in all areas.
“This is the best way to navigate through all the paperwork you will have to go through to recover,” Sabatier said. “It’s not just about the property for those that lost a home. They [also] have to eat somewhere. They have to change their clothes.” LAC is open until Saturday, October 21 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Center will extend its operation dates if there is a need, Sabatier said.
Harbour said FEMA is available for one-on-one assistance at LAC, along with the American Red Cross. He said people should apply for FEMA services and can do so at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-261-3362.
Bertelli provided updates on the Sulphur Fire, saying the once 2,500-acre blaze was 2,207 acres and 92-percent contained. By Thursday morning, the fire was reported at 96-percent containment. Lake County Fire Protection District Chief William Sapeta said they are also working closely to assist in all areas as possible, including recovery. Two trucks are roaming through Clearlake offering respiratory masks. People can also visit the station at 14815 Olympic Dr., Clearlake to attain masks. Sapeta advised locals to watch the environment and monitor wind patterns. One example is to place four sticks on the ground and tie ribbons around them to help indicate the direction of the wind. He added to stay hydrated by drinking two bottles of water daily.
Sheriff Brian Martin said those who lost their homes may be receiving several tips from public adjusters and contractors during the rebuilding process. He adviced, “They should all be licensed … and have proper markings on their cards. Make sure you take the time to read everything and consult legal help if necessary before signing. Make sure you aren’t being scammed.”
When entering the section of Clean Up and Logistics, representatives from organizations like the Lake County Environmental Health Department, Public Works, and Air Quality Management all agreed areas are being monitored to move in the right direction toward recovery.
Ray Ruminski, Director of Environmental Health said it is important to communicate with those conducting debri clean-up services at one’s property. He or she should look at one’s policy to understand what portion covers clean-up in order to set that coverage aside. If people’s insurance does not cover that service, Ruminski advised to sign up for a state-sponsored program.
Many people showed concern over the previous days about the thick layer of smoke in the air, raising questions on the county’s air quality. County Air Quality Management District Director Doug Gearhart said the smoke is coming from fires outside the county but is not considered “harmful.” He is constantly providing updates, especially to schools, he said.
Huchingson added that another resource for residents during their clean-up process is Greg Giusti, a local forest and wildlands ecology advisor. He is available for guidance on tree safety in people’s properties. Giusti can be reached at 707-236-6838.
Housing was also discussed, as some fire survivors lost their homes. Lake County Board of Supervisor Rob Brown said Konocti Harbor is making 20 rental units available for those affected by the fire. More will become available if necessary. The number to call is 707-279-6606. North Coast Opportunities and the Lake County Social Services is available to speak to people one-on-one for other housing options. They are also participating at the LAC. With housing in dire need for locals and for those that have suffered from fires outside the county are being warned about rent price gouging.
Huchingson and Rob informed the public that a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment is the result for price gouging, including for hotel and motel rates, and consumer goods.
Rebuilding is of the essence, officials agreed. At the meeting, the City provided paperwork such as building permit applications, demolition permit applications, and packets on demolition and fire damage clean-up requirements.
Mayor Russ Perdock said, “One of our efforts at the council level is to work hard and get to the rebuilding process as quickly as possible. A lot of that is going to come from the individual property owners and making sure we give them the information they need in the rebuilding effort.”
Eric Kammersgard, County Behavioral Health Deputy Administrator said people can make appointments by calling 707-274-9101 or the crisis hotline at 800-900-2075 for assistance.
With animals, though most have returned to their owners, four dogs and six cats remain unclaimed. Lake County Animal Control Director Bill Davidson said they can call the shelter at 707-263-0278 or check out the Facebook page where photos of pets are posted. People can also publish information on the shelter’s Lost and Found virtual bulletin on the shelter’s website.
Folsom clarified that if there is a need to hold more recovery meetings, the City will let the public know.
To watch the complete, first Sulphur Fire Community Recovery Meeting, visit the Record-Bee Facebook page.
