Firefighters hold Pawnee fire growth to standstill; Double Eagle Ranch evacuations lifted
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – There was no new growth overnight on the Pawnee fire, and with conditions improving another group of evacuees were allowed to return home on Thursday.
Cal Fire said Thursday morning that the fire remained at 13,700 acres, with containment climbing to 40 percent.
Approximately 3,234 firefighting personnel are assigned to the incident; other resources include 238 engines, 33 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 73 hand crews and 71 dozers, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire said firefighters continue to construct and reinforce control lines in anticipation of warmer, drier conditions and strong winds that are forecast throughout the weekend.
Burning since Saturday, the fire destroyed 22 structures, damaged 5 others, and threatened hundreds more, which had led to the mandatory evacuations of the Spring Valley Lakes and Double Eagle Ranch subdivisions, along with the areas of Walker Ridge and Indian Valley Reservoir.
On Wednesday, Spring Valley residents were allowed to return home, and on Thursday the evacuation order for the Double Eagle Ranch also was lifted, as were the remaining road closures in Double Eagle, officials said.
The Walker Ridge and Indian Valley Reservoir areas, however, remain under evacuation, with Walker Ridge Road at Highway 20 still closed, according to Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Paulich urged community members returning home to be aware of firefighters, utility company and media traffic, and to stay focused and avoid distractions as emergency personnel continue to operate in the area.
Once a wildfire has burned through an area, many dangers may remain, Paulich said.
Those who observe any hazardous conditions are urged to stay away and report the situation immediately to a local fire or law enforcement official in the area or call 911.
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