The fire near the casino, located at 2755 Mission Rancheria Road just outside of Lakeport, was first reported at approximately 3:49 p.m., according to radio reports.
Units on scene arriving minutes later reported that the main fire was located in a grove of cottonwood trees where a fire had burned a few years ago.
When Lakeport Fire Chief Doug Hutchison arrived on scene just after the first units, he estimated the size at three quarters of an acre, with a spot fire to the east of the main fire.
Just after 4:20 p.m., Hutchison reported over the air that forward progress had been stopped on the main and spot fires, with shaky containment on both.
Hutchison told Lake County News shortly after 5 p.m. that the two fires together were between two and three acres in size and that they were getting firm lines around both.
“Right now we’re just continuing to mop up,” he said.
The main fire was located just south of the casino’s parking lot, Hutchison said.
He said the spot fire jumped about 200 yards from the main fire, traveling over nearby houses and into an open field behind the casino’s smoke shop. He said it appeared headed toward Reeves Lane.
That jump by the spot fire may have been assisted by the breezy conditions that Hutchison said firefighters encountered at the scene. He said the ash fall that had been occurring when firefighters arrived also had lighted up.
“It seems to be stabilizing quickly,” Hutchison said of the situation.
Resources on scene included four engines and Hutchison from Lakeport Fire, an engine from Kelseyville Fire, and from Cal Fire two engines, a crew and a battalion chief, with a third engine en route, Hutchison said. A Northshore Fire water tender also was requested.
He said at that time that they did not have an idea of cause.
Fire officials were still trying to interview people who may have seen something in that area and also seeking footage from the casino, Hutchison said.
Once line was established around both fires Hutchison said firefighters would continue to monitor the area for a couple of hours.
The fire should not interrupt the casino’s plans for its popular annual fireworks show at dusk on Sunday night. The associated barbecue and party begins at 6 p.m.
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- Elizabeth Larson
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