CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – A fire destroyed a Clearlake Oaks home on Thursday, but firefighters were able to keep the blaze from destroying nearby outbuildings and other homes.

The fire, reported late Thursday afternoon according to radio reports, initially involved both wildland and the structure.

Northshore Fire Battalion Chief Steve Hart said the incident occurred at a vineyard property at 500 Old Long Valley Road.

When firefighters arrived on scene they found a fully involved two-story stucco structure that was being whipped up by the wind, Hart said.

“We had a very tough time even keeping it to the structure of origin,” said Hart.

Hart said Cal Fire sent resources including air tankers and helicopters, Northshore Fire sent three engines and a water tender, and Lake County Fire Protection District sent a water tender.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from burning up the vineyard, and protected three large outbuildings within 150 feet of the home and two other residences 300 feet away, Hart said.

Altogether, Hart said it took firefighters an hour to contain the vegetation fire and two hours to contain the house fire, with personnel clearing the scene at 7 p.m.

He said the fire was attributed to a spontaneous ignition due to a chemical reaction of organic compounds. Specifically, he said laundry had been taken from the home's dryer, and some remaining moisture in the clothes is believed to have helped cause the chemical reaction that ignited the blaze.

Hart said the 2,500-square-foot home was a total loss, with damage estimated between $600,000 and $800,000.

The home was located on a 21.5-acre property that was listed for sale on local real estate Web sites for $990,000.

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