CLEARLAKE >> Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire that destroyed and damaged multiple structures on a busy Tuesday morning in Clearlake for first responders.
The incident originated within a single-family dwelling on the 14000 block of Palmer Avenue just after 7 a.m., according to Lake County Fire Protection District Chief William Sapeta.
The blaze — which entirely consumed the home — spread west and took down a second structure. Sapeta said flames also spread south and affected three adjacent outbuildings, one of which was converted into a small business and another found vacant. The structures on the south side had “very minimal” exposure, he said.
Crews from Lake County Fire, Northshore Fire, South Lake County Fire, Cal Fire and two Clearlake Police officers responded to the scene, completing full containment and suppression by 8:30 a.m. A total of five engines and three medic units arrived, with a two-to-four hour mop up. Safe evacuations were set within a 360-degree radius — east, and west on Palmer Avenue, and on Emory Avenue and Mullen Avenue, Sapeta said.
During suppression, Sapeta said a small cannabis lab was found in one of the adjacent outbuildings. Clearlake Police officers identified and retracted the items found, he explained.
No injuries were reported, and the fire chief said the investigation is still ongoing.
Just hours after the 7 a.m. call, fire crews made a quick turnaround to Lower Lake in response to a residential fire with dark smoke on Sunrise Drive, near Point Lakeview Road. Firefighters soon determined it was only a legal control burn.
