- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Rocky fire acreage jumps again; additional evacuations possible
This story has been updated.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Rocky fire made a Thursday evening run, scorching thousands of more acres of wildland and moving toward an area east of Clearlake Oaks that prompted officials to advise residents there to be prepared for the possibility of evacuating.
Early Friday Cal Fire said the fire had grown to 15,000 acres, with containment remaining at 5 percent.
By the end of Thursday more than 900 firefighters from all over the state were assigned to the incident, working to protect some 450 structures, with an estimated 650 residents having been evacuated since shortly after the fire started.
Three structures have so far been destroyed, Cal Fire said.
Over the course of Thursday evening, the size estimate on the fire jumped by 5,000 acres as it moved in a northerly direction, toward Highway 20, according to a late night report from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
With concerns that by Friday the fire could reach Highway 20 and possibly cross it between New Long Valley Road and the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision east of Clearlake Oaks, the sheriff's office and allied agencies began advising residents of the possibility that a mandatory evacuation could be ordered.
The evacuation advisory that was issued covers the Double Eagle Ranch and homes along the Highway 20 corridor between New Long Valley Road and east to the county line, officials reported.
On Thursday night, the fire could be seen from that area along the highway, with firefighters responding to a report of a fire near New Long Valley Road. Ultimately, no fire was found, with units on scene concluding that the reporting party had seen the main fire in the distance.
Evacuation orders remain in place for Morgan Valley Road, east of Bonham Road; Spruce Grove Road, north of intersection with Jerusalem Grade Road; Noble Ranch Road; Jerusalem Grade Road; and Cantwell Ranch Road.
An evacuation shelter is open at Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road, telephone 707-312-0395.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to take advantage of cooler temperatures, firefighters continued their work through the night, Cal Fire reported.
Cal Fire said Friday that more resources from around the state are on the way to work on the fire, in addition to the 988 personnel, 151 engines, 32 fire crews, 31 water tenders, 30 dozers, eight air tankers and eight helicopters currently committed.
Early Friday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it was working with Lake County Animal Care and Control to check on animals and livestock which were left within the fire evacuation area.
Those residents who are concerned about the welfare of animals that were left within the evacuation area are urged to contact Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
The sheriff’s office said it will attempt to accommodate requests to check the welfare of pets or livestock depending on fire conditions.
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