Just before 5 p.m. on June 14th, a fire was reported in Clearlake Oaks near Henderson and Terrance Drive.
Originally it was reported that the one-acre fire was in a mixture of grass and woodlands with a moderate of spread. By 5:20 p.m., the incident commander reported that the fire was approximately 3 acres in size with a moderate rate of spread. One structure is threatened.
Around 5:23 p.m. scanner traffic indicates that air attack has been requested to assist on the fire in addition to the incoming fire engines. The flight radar indicates a Cal Fire Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk is in the vicinity of the fire.
Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
Update 5:37 p.m.: The incident commander relayed to dispatch that the fire was making a run up the hill.
The screenshot below is from AlertCalifornia of the smoke column from the fire that has been dubbed the Henderson Incident.
Update 5:40 p.m.: Air traffic indicated the latitude and longitude given was “way off”.
Two Marsh S-2F3AT Turbo Tracker Cal Fire tankers are almost to the scene. The incident commander has requested a third tanker after stating that the fire is now at approximately 10 acres in size. The fire is in grass and oak trees, with brush torching.
Update 6 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates that the fire is “running” up the hill. Fire personnel are being directed to hold a line at a road towards the peak of the hill as the incident commander relayed that the fire would probably reach the road within ten minutes of the scanner transmission.
Four additional type-3 Cal Fire engines have been requested.
Scanner traffic indicates that high transmission lines are at the top of the ridge which is where the head of the fire is 1000 yards away from.
Update 6:10 p.m.: Three tankers are dropping retardant on the Henderson Fire along with copter 102 dropping water while an air attack aircraft hovers above.
#HendersonFire – Update – Additional resources have been ordered to this incident. No Evacuations at this time. If traveling in the area use caution. #CALFIRE#CALFIRELNU pic.twitter.com/HyqT057kT7 — CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) June 15, 2023
Update 6:20 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates that a spot fire has occurred. The spot ahead of the fire is reported to be 10 ft. x 10 ft., up to 20 ft. by 20 ft. in size.
A dozer has been requested on Cerrito Drive near the top of the ridge for assistance.
Air support continues.
Update 6:50 p.m.: The Watch Duty app states that the fire is now 25 acres.
Scanner traffic indicates that the fire is making short runs in brush but overall has a slow rate of speed.
An additional two spot fire has been reported on the right flank approximately 50 yards from the fire.
Helicopter 104 was requested to pull water from the lake, dropping water while the tankers were refilling with retardant.
MendoFever reader, Debra Pedigo-Bryant sent in the photos below of the Henderson Fire and copter 104 pulling water from Clear Lake.
Just the opening act.