- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Fire burns along Highway 29 near Lower Lake, highway closed
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are responding to a rapidly moving fire along Highway 29 between Lower Lake and Hidden Valley Lake that is threatening multiple structures.
The fire, on the west side of the highway near A Street and Agua Dulce Drive south of the Twin Lakes Subdivision, was first dispatched at 2:45 p.m.
Firefighters arriving at scene initially reported the blaze to be about one to two acres, with a rapid rate of spread and moving uphill, with at least one structure threatened.
Shortly after 3 p.m. the fire was reported to be about 15 acres, burning in oak woodland with a south wind hitting it, resulting in spotting, according to radio reports.
Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta, after arriving at the scene, called for the California Highway Patrol to respond to close the highway’s southbound lane.
Minutes later, Sapeta asked for additional CHP to respond and fully close the highway between Murphy Springs and the origin of the fire, determined to be in the 13000 block of Highway 29 near A Street. He said traffic congestion was becoming a concern.
Central Dispatch reported that Fish and Game also was responding to assist with traffic control.
Cal Fire sent a full wildland dispatch, including air resources, which were hitting the fire. Resources also were responding from different fire agencies around the lake.
Radio reports indicated the fire was moving into a nearby vineyard and was threatening multiple structures.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m. a strike team request was sent out to fire agencies around the county following reports that the fire had grown to an estimated 40 acres.
Radio reports indicated at 3:30 p.m. that power lines were down in the fire area.
Before 4 p.m. there were reports of possible evacuations in the area. The CHP confirmed that evacuations were planned for the Twin Lakes Subdivision.
Just before 4:30 p.m., a strike team of five engines and two dozers were dispatched to the corner of Candy Lane and Lawrence Road off of Highway 29 north of the fire for structure protection.
The CHP said road closures were in effect for Highway 29 at Highway 53 and at Highway 29 and Spruce Grove Road.
At 4:50 p.m Cal Fire reported that the fire had reached 50 acres.
Additional details will be posted as they become available.
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