Clayton Fire Causes 4,000 to Evacuate; "Completely Unbearable" Officer Says; Arsonist Caught; State of Emergency Declared for Lake County [MAP] – Videos, Photos
Clayton Fire ravages Lower Lake town; Gov. Brown declares state of emergency for Lake County to boost aid for people affected by fire.
A massive Northern California Wildfire, also known as the "Clayton Fire", has ravaged about 4,000 acres in just two days and has also burned down more than 175 buildings in the area. It is now just 5 percent contained.
The California State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the wildfire has forced thousands, including animals, to evacuate. Evacuations have been set up in different places in the area while rescue operations are still being done at the moment.
State of emergency
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California Governor Jerry Brown has issued a state of emergency over Lake County, which is around 100 miles north of San Francisco. Putting the county under a state of emergency will help boost aid that is badly needed by residents affected by the wildfire.
Fire started out Saturday afternoon along Highway 29 and Clayton Creek Road. The blaze increased in size and was said to have doubled Sunday as it wreaked havoc in Main Street of Lower Lake. The Clayton Fire scorched buildings including a post office, a Habitat for Humanity office, and a winery. Patients from the nearby area of Clearlake had to be taken to another medical facility since it was also threatened by the blaze.
Firefighting efforts beefed up
According to Scott McLean, Cal Fire personnel, the situation was completely unbearable and was even close to impossible. He said in an interview that the fire pushed from one structure to another. There were aerial crews using airplanes that carried retardant and thousands of gallons of water over the fire.
The fire was said to have weakened Monday but efforts to control it continues. Aside from aerial crew, ground personnel were also present to create a ring around the fire using bulldozers. Helicopters were likewise called to drop water and retardant over the fire.
175 structures destroyed
Around 175 structures, mostly found in Lower Lake, were destroyed. The town has less than 2000 residents and has a single-street commercial area. Behind the shoreline town, dark smoke rose during the day. This was a sign that the fire was able to scorch yet another vehicle.
Arsonist caught
Late Monday, Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin arrested Damin Pashilk, a resident of Lower Lake. Pashilk has been caught on multiple counts of arson related to the Clayton Fire, as well as other fires that have happened in the past year. Residents said that this was the best news that they have had in days.
Evacuations ordered
The following areas need to evacuate immediately: areas of Clayton Creek Road, all areas of Morgan Valley Road, North Spruce Grove Road towards Jerusalem Grade Road, and Highway 53 at the Highway 29 junction north to Highway 20. Additional evacuation orders were also given to residents in Jerusalem Grade Road.
Evacuation centers are located at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lakeport, Kelseyville High School in Main Street in Kelseyville and at the Twin Pines Casino in Highway 29 in Middletown.
