The Lake County Sheriff’s Department just ordered residents on Conestoga Road in Hidden Valley Lake to evacuate after a fire that started about 5:20 p.m. grew to approximately 60 acres in just over an hour with several structures already “impacted,” according to the Incident Commander.
Caltrans closed Hwy 29 and residents are evacuating through one of the only ways in and out of the area.
Caltrans tweeted, “A hard closure of State Route 29 is in effect 0.5 miles north of Spruce Grove Road in Lake County due to fire. No estimated time for reopening…The south side of the closure on State Route 29 in Lake County has moved to Hidden Valley Main Gate. A hard closure is in effect due to a fire. This is a dynamic situation and we will provide updates as they become available.”
Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued at 6:06 p.m.:
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued an EVACUATION ORDER for residents on Conestoga Road in Hidden Valley Lake and an evacuation warning for the remainder of Zone HID-194. 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.
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.——-
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has also issued an EVACUATION WARNING for the following Zones: HID-194
We are asking everyone to take preparations in the event that a mandatory evacuation order is issued. Preparations should include gathering all medications, important documents, making plans for pets, and notifying family members where you may be going. Those requiring additional time to evacuate or those with pets or livestock should leave the area as soon as possible. During a mandatory evacuation, it will be extremely hectic and traffic conditions will be very congested. By evacuating early, you do your part in keeping yourself, your neighbors, and our first responders safe.
UPDATE 6:53 p.m.: Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued new evacuation orders at 6:41 p.m.:
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has upgraded the EVACUATION ORDER for all residents of Zone HID-E194. An evacuation shelter is being established at Twin Pine Casino. Anyone needing shelter should proceed to Twin Pine Casino.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has also issued an EVACUATION WARNING for the following Zones: HID-E185, HID-195, and HID197.
UPDATE 8:12 p.m.: Cal Fire LNU tweeted, “Fire is approximately 100 acres / 40% contained. Crews will be in the area working. Expect delays if traveling in the area. Evacuation orders are still in effect.”
UPDATE 9:05 p.m.: An announcement from the California Highway Patrol indicates that Highway 29 has reopened:
HIGHWAY 29 IS REOPEN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
CLOSURES AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL STILLWORKING THE INCIDENT
USE CAUTION IF TRAVELLING THROUGH THE
AREA
