LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wednesday morning Cal Fire reports that containment of the Jerusalem fire has edged up slightly while the fire continues to grow.
An additional 2,500 acres were consumed by the fire overnight bringing the total to 16,500 acres. Containment for the Jerusalem fire has risen to six percent, according to Cal Fire.
No structures are confirmed burned at this point though Cal Fire reports that 50 structures are threatened.
On Tuesday evening, because of the fire's movement and continued growth, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued new mandatory evacuations for all residents along Morgan Valley Road from the Rocky Fire burn area, which is near the Reiff Road intersection, east to the Napa County line, and for Reiff Road from the Morgan Valley Road intersection east to the Yolo County line, as Lake County News has reported.
Previously placed under mandatory evacuation was the Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove, including Tinilyn Road, Nicholas Way, Jaclyn Road, June Bug Drive, Jerusalem Grade, Jerusalem Valley Road, Jerusalem Road, W Jerusalem Road, Canyon Road, Coon Flat Road and Daly Place.
Officials said advisory evacuations remain in effect for Grange Road from Luchetti Ranch Road east to Bucksnort Creek, and Butts Canyon Road from Bucksnort Creek east to the Napa County line.
Altogether, Cal Fire said 50 structures remain threatened, but none have been burned or damaged thus far, with reports from the fire lines indicating firefighters have been working on structure protection.
Evacuees are being directed to Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road, where a Red Cross evacuation shelter remains open, telephone 415-971-0797.
The Lake County Office of Emergency Services reported that the Red Cross will close the Middletown shelter at noon on Wednesday and reopen the shelter at Kelseyville High School, 5480 Main St. That shelter can be reached at 415-307-4503.