LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Clayton fire edged closer to full containment on Thursday, as firefighters continued to strengthen lines and deal with flare-ups, and damage assessment teams continued to work through the fire area.
The fire, burning since Saturday afternoon, remained at 3,929 acres, with containment on Thursday night up to 60 percent, according to Cal Fire.
On Thursday firefighters mopped up hot spots and flare-ups, and made fire suppression repairs in an effort to minimize the effects of the fire's damage, Cal Fire said.
Firefighters on Thursday night also were keeping an eye out for wildlife, with radio reports indicating they were seeing a mother bear and her cubs work their way through a drainage in the fire area.
Cal Fire's damage inspection teams also continued surveys of the fire area, tallying the number of damaged or destroyed structures. As a result, the number of destroyed structures rose again.
Cal Fire said the latest assessment numbers indicate that the fire has destroyed 300 structures; that includes 190 single-family homes, eight commercial structures, and 102 other structures such as sheds
and smaller outbuildings.
Because assessments are still ongoing, that number could continue to rise, Cal Fire said.
With Cal Fire reporting that 316 structures are still threatened, mandatory evacuations are continuing within the fire perimeter served by Morgan Valley Road. Evacuation centers remain open at Kelseyville High School, the Lakeport Seventh-day Adventist Church and Twin Pine Casino.
Limited street closures also remain in place. Main Street in Lower Lake, east of the Highway 29 and Highway 53 junction, and Lake Street, south of Dam Road, are still closed, officials said.
As containment has risen, Cal Fire has begun to scale back resources on the fire.
On Thursday evening there were a total of 1,742 personnel assigned to the fire, along with 147 engines, 42 hand crews, 24 water tenders, 11 dozers and 10 helicopters, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire continues to estimate full containment on the fire will be reached on Sunday.
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Clayton fire containment increases; damage assessment numbers rise
- Elizabeth Larson
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