According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information page, a rapidly spreading fire has jumped Highway 20 on the east side of Clear Lake. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department has issued mandatory evacuation orders in the following Nixle alert:
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued an EVACUATION ORDER for residents in the area of Morine Ranch Rd in Clearlake Oaks. Residents are advised that there is an IMMEDIATE threat to life and property from a wildfire, and are urged to evacuate. Please leave the area. If you are in need of shelter please proceed to a Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) that will be announced shortly. You are asked to stay in your vehicle and wear masks when you arrive at the TEP. A shelter is being established and you will be directed to the shelter by staff at the TEP.
Take the following protective actions and leave immediately; 1. Gather all family members. 2. Gather all pets. 3. Gather only essential items. 4. Be sure to bring essential medications with you. 5. Turn off all appliances and lights in your home. 6. Lock your home.
UPDATE: 4:52 pm
According to scanner traffic, the fire has reached approximately 10-15 acres and sections of Highway 20 have closed down as the fire burns into timber near and along the roadside.
UPDATE: 5:06 pm
UPDATE: 5:32 pm
Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin announced on Facebook that the fire is approximately 15 acres in size and says “it’s too early to say that it has stopped or is under control”.
UPDATE: 5:40 pm
Cal Fire tweeted, “New incident: #CatholicFire off Highway 20 and Catholic Church Rd, east of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County is 25 acres. @CALFIRELNU “
