LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The cleanup process for the Cache fire is nearing completion as city officials wait and hope for the possibility of a federal disaster declaration.
City Manager Alan Flora gave a brief update on the fire’s recovery process to the Clearlake City Council at its Thursday evening meeting.
The fire, which began on Aug. 18, destroyed 138 structures, including 57 homes, and burned more than 80 acres.
In early September, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Lake County as a result of the fire, which opened the door for the city and impacted residents to get more help with cleanup and recovery.
Flora told the council that about 90% of the cleanup, which is being led by the state, is now complete.
He said no work is taking place now, with crews set to return soon to complete the work.
He said the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, which is overseeing the cleanup, recently approved cleanup of some additional properties.
Cal OES and Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives recently visited the city, he said.
So far, Flora said state and federal officials haven’t made a final determination as to whether the Cache fire will be included in a federal disaster declaration.
However, he said it sounds like there is still some hope that may happen.
If it does, “It could be a real benefit to those who have property that was damaged,” with more resources available to them, he said.
Flora also reported that funding administered through the Small Business Administration was approved to help residents.
He said the SBA directly contacted the fire-impacted residents about the available assistance.
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Cache fire cleanup nearing completion
- Elizabeth Larson
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