CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Firefighters are on scene fighting a 400-acre blaze off Pawnee Road and New Long Valle Road, northeast of Clearlake Oaks. Evacuations are already in place for all residents of Spring Valley.
The incident, dubbed the Pawnee Fire, started just before 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the 2500 block of Pawnee Trail. Via scanner reports, the fire headed toward Spring Valley.
From there, fire crews from all over Lake County and Mendocino County reached the area from Spring Valley Road, Wolf Creek Road, and Quail Trail.
The fire was initially reported at 100 acres with fire spreading rapidly. By 6 p.m. CAL FIRE reported the acreage at 75 acres.
By 6:30 p.m., mandatory evacuations were set for Quail Trail and Wolf Creek areas. At 7:15 p.m. the Lake County Sheriff’s Office released a Nixle alerting evacuations for all of Spring Valley. A temporary staging area for evacuees has been set up at the Moose Lodge, located at 15900 E Highway 20.
“Please leave immediately and watch for emergency vehicles,” the LCSO said in the alert.
UPDATE (7:50 p.m.): Firefighters report 25 homes are in immediate threat. Lower Lake High School (9430 Lake St.) now established as a second shelter for evacuees.
UPDATE (8:30 p.m.): Firing operations taking place as crews fight the blaze with fire. There are currently five, fixed-wing aircraft and three helicopters at work.
UPDATE: (9:05 p.m.): Fire now reported at 400 acres, with a moderate rate of spread and is burning in heavy brush.
UPDATE (10:20 p.m.): Highwya 20 at New Long Valley Road is now closed and there is no estimated time of reopening.
UPDATE (10:30 p.m.) CAL FIRE says Highway 20 open at now open with no restrictions. Dozers are making progress and weather conditions are favorable as winds have subsided.
More information will be released as this is a developing story.
