CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Christmas Eve fire destroyed a Clearlake home.
The fire, located at 3685 Cottonwood St., was first dispatched shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to radio reports.
Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta said by the time firefighters arrived on scene minutes later, the stick-built single family home already was about 60-percent involved, with flames coming out of the carport.
He said the family that lived in the residence – along with their pets – safely evacuated and were unharmed.
Two engines and a water tender from Lake County Fire responded, with two engines also coming from Cal Fire, he said.
Sapeta said firefighters had to contend with downed and arcing power lines, which blocked their access to the structure.
Firefighters knocked down the fire within about 10 minutes, with mop up and overhaul taking about an hour, Sapeta said. Pacific Gas and Electric was called to the scene and arrived around 9:30 p.m. to deal with the lines.
The older structure was a complete loss, with Sapeta estimating damages of between $80,000 and $90,000.
He said investigators are working to determine the fire's cause an origin.
The displaced family was not referred to Red Cross for temporary housing, Sapeta said. Instead, they have a motorhome in which they will be staying.
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