LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A fast-moving wildland fire that began Sunday afternoon has prompted evacuations across a large swath of the city of Clearlake.

The Boyles fire began burning in the area of Boyles Avenue and Dam Road, and is quickly moving along the east side of the city.

Original size estimates put it close to three acres, burning near structures at a moderate rate of spread in heavy brush.

Law enforcement quickly called for mandatory evacuations, which the Clearlake Police Department said spanned the area of 18th to 32nd avenues east of Boyles Avenue. Police followed up a short time later with an order to evacuate everything east of Highway 53 between 32nd Avenue and Dam Road.

A large contingent of air resources — six tankers and three helicopters, along with air attack — are working the scene.

Engines and crews from around Lake County have been called in to work on the incident, with mutual aid also assisted from Colusa, Mendocino, Sacramento and Sonoma counties.

Radio reports indicated the fire is heavily impacting the area of Dam Road. The fire has pushed toward Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital, where firefighters are ready to evacuate about 30 patients if necessary.

Power lines have been reported down throughout the area. Numerous spot fires also have been reported.

Pacific Gas and Electric said approximately 9,075 customers were out of power across Clearlake and Lower Lake.

Shortly before 4 p.m. Cal Fire said the fire was at 30 acres, with 30 structures involved.

Minutes later, firefighters reported that 300 vehicles were backed up trying to evacuate off of Philips and 40th avenues, with law enforcement requested to hold the intersection of Highway 53 and 40th Avenue for evacuations only.

Just after 4 p.m., the fire was reported to be flaring up again near the hospital, with units requested to respond to the area.

Also shortly after 4 p.m., the fire was reported to have burned 76 acres.

Just before 4:10 p.m., units on scene reported a white male adult in the area of 31st and 32nd avenues attempting to start additional fires.

Law enforcement was requested to respond to the scene and minutes later it was reported that the subject was detained.

By 5:30 p.m., the fire was said to be 10% contained.

At that point, some tankers were being released while the helicopters were continuing to find targets.

An evacuation center has been established at Twin Pines Casino, located at 22223 Highway 29 in Middletown.

For those needing assistance getting to the evacuation shelter, respond to the airport property outside of the Clearlake Animal Shelter, located at 6820 Old Highway 53, for help and transport getting to the shelter.

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.