CLEARLAKE, Calif. – St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake welcomed patients at 7 a.m. Wednesday after patient care services were interrupted for 64 hours due to the Clayton fire.

The hospital, which is located within the fire evacuation area on 18th Avenue in Clearlake, was fully staffed to provide patient care in all departments on Wednesday, including the emergency room.

Patients began arriving at the hospital emergency department early Wednesday morning and scheduled outpatient procedures resumed promptly at 7 a.m.

Hospital staff celebrated the resumption of service at a morning gathering and were updated by the hospital incident commander and Vice President of Patient Care Colleen Assavapisitkul.

“This devastating fire has only reaffirmed our mission and purpose in this community,” said David Santos, president and CEO of St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. “We are blessed to continue providing the high quality care that our friends and neighbors in Lake County deserve.”

St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake was cleared to resume service by the California Department of Public Health after a full survey of the hospital facility and its operational procedures.

The facility received evacuation orders on Aug. 14 as the fire moved toward the city of Clearlake, but did not sustain any damage.

Extensive air cleaning processes were implemented and forensic analysis completed by an industrial hygienist confirmed that air quality was appropriate for patient care.

Thorough cleaning and equipment testing was performed in every department to ensure each area was safe and ready to welcome patients to the quiet, comfortable environment they expect.

The Konocti Wellness Center on the campus of Lower Lake High School did not sustain any visible fire damage but remains closed.

All other outpatient services are fully operational and are open for their regularly scheduled hours to serve the community.