This story is being updated.
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are working to contain a fast-moving fire near the Hidden Valley Lake community, with evacuations ordered for one part of the subdivision in the fire’s path.
The fire in the area of Spruce Grove Road South at Highway 29 was first reported just after 8 p.m. Thursday.
Within 10 minutes of dispatch, arriving units and incident command began to call for evacuations due to the fire’s proximity to homes, according to radio reports.
Lake County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are responding to assist with evacuations, with Lake County Central Dispatch reporting that it is being swamped with 911 call.
Incident Commander Willie Sapeta, chief of Lake County Fire, initially gave a size estimate of begin seven and 10 acres, with a moderate rate of spread, just after 8:20 p.m.
Less than 10 minutes later, he was reporting that the fire had doubled in size and was moving at a rapid rate.
Cal Fire has a strike team stationed in Lake County that is responding, according to radio reports.
Sapeta has called for evacuations in the area of Spruce Grove Road South, up through Deer Hill, Conestoga and Eagle Rock, until they get a better idea of the fire’s size.
Hidden Valley Lake Security is reported to be going door to door in thea area.
CHP officers are working to divert traffic around the scene, radio reports indicated.
At 9:18 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office sent out the following Nixle alert: “There is a fire North of the Hidden Valley Lake Community, in the vicinity of Connestoga and Firethorn Roads. Residents are advised to evacuate immediately. An evacuation Center is being established at the Twin Pines Casino in Middletown.”
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., there were reports over the scanner that evacuations had been lifted for the areas of Conestoga, Eagle Rock and Deer Hill.
At about 9:45 p.m., a report over the scanner from Central Dispatch indicated all evacuations had been lifted.
CHP reported at 9:50 p.m. that Highway 29 between Spruce Grove Road North and Spruce Grove Road South is remaining closed for the time being.
At 9:57 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued a followup Nixle alert: “There is still a fire North of the Hidden Valley Lake Community, in the vicinity of Connestoga and Firethorn Roads. However, all evacuation orders have been lifted, and resident may return home. Please be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel that will continue to be working in the area.”
More details will be posted as they become available.
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.
Firefighters at scene of vegetation fire near Hidden Valley Lake
- Elizabeth Larson
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