Efforts continue to contain Soda Bay Road fire; containment rising
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – State and local fire agencies are continuing their efforts to fully contain a wildland fire incident that began burning on Thursday afternoon.
The Golf fire began at approximately 12:59 p.m. Thursday at Soda Bay Road and Golf Drive, according to Cal Fire.
The incident consists of a main fire and a smaller spot fire, based on reports from the scene.
Cal Fire and fire agencies from around Lake County – including Kelseyville, Lakeport, Northshore Fire, Lake County Fire and South Lake County Fire – responded, along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol.
Resources also came from the city of Colusa and the Williams Fire Protection Authority, Cal Fire said.
Upon arrival the fire was estimated to be five acres with a moderate rate of spread, according to the Cal Fire report.
Winds and terrain were reported to be pushing the growth of the fire, based on radio reports.
Air tankers and helicopters worked the fire throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
Cal Fire said crews and aircraft are working the terrain driven fire in thick brush and mixed hardwoods.
As of 6:30 p.m., Cal Fire reported that the incident had burned a total of 19 acres and was 30 percent contained.
The cause of the fire so far remains unknown, Cal Fire said.
On Thursday afternoon the sheriff’s office issued an evacuation order for Riviera West, followed by an advisory evacuation issued for Riviera Heights. An evacuation center has been set up for Kelseyville High School.
Cal Fire said 40 structures are threatened, but so far none have been destroyed or damaged.
Officials said Soda Bay Road from Golf Drive to Crystal Drive remained closed on Thursday evening.
Cal Fire said resources assigned include 26 engines, three water tenders, four helicopters, 10 hand crews, six dozers, four air tankers and 329 firefighters.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.