A vegetation fire broke out at approximately 11:45 a.m. today in the Glenhaven area of Lake County, quickly spreading to 50 acres by 12:32 p.m., according to scanner reports from the Incident Commander. The fire, which started east of Highway 20, has prompted evacuations in the area, including at Henderson and Hillcrest, as firefighters work to contain the rapidly growing blaze.
Crews are battling not only the main fire but also several spot fires, including one two ridges out that threatens a nearby structure. Air Attack is circling above the fire, and CAL FIRE’s LNU unit has mobilized significant resources to the scene, including 18 engines, 5 dozers, 2 hand crews, 3 helicopters, and 6 fixed-wing aircraft.
The area is under a Red Flag warning, with Lake County OES warning of very low humidity and gusty westerly winds creating critical fire weather conditions. As the fire continues to spread through the dry, hilly terrain, Highway 20 has been shut down in both directions.
Evacuations are in progress down Highway 20 to High Valley Road and Cerrito Road. Traffic is expected to be slow as residents evacuate, and travelers should avoid the area. The Incident Commander has requested Highway 20 be closed but it hasn’t yet been closed as of 12:58 p.m.
This is an unfolding situation, and details are being updated as more information becomes available. Please note that early reports can sometimes contain inaccuracies, and we will provide updates as facts are confirmed.
UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: Spot fires continue to be an issue for fire fighters with a new spot fire discovered off the 11000 block of Pingree Road. First reports indicate the spot fire is approximately 100 feet x 100 feet.
A new evacuation warning has been issued for Zone CLO-E057. Please be ready to leave at a moment’s notice if you live in the area.
Scanner traffic indicates that fire personnel have requested High Valley Road be closed by Public Works employees due to the fire.
UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Update from the intel aircraft maps the fire at 123 acres as of 1:14 p.m. Scanner traffic indicates that the left flank is making a run for it and two structures are immediately threatened near the left heel of the fire.
Incident command is making requests for nighttime air support to make sure support is available if needed later.
UPDATE 1:23 p.m.: According to scanner traffic and the Caltrans QuickMap, Highway 20 has a hard closure in place from the intersection of High Valley Road and the Hwy 53 round-a-bout, east of Clearlake Oaks. Signs are in place, however, according to the CHP log, there are not enough units to man the closures.
Additional aircraft have been requested to the right heel of the fire that is flaring up.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates fervent fire activity with fire personnel alerting command that a dozer line had to be abandoned due to fire activity, suggesting that a subsequent line should be plowed on the next ridgeline.
Two additional spots were reported in that area, one five acres in size, and the other, approximately 1 acre. Tankers have been requested to target the spot fires.
Additional evacuation warnings have been issued near the right heel of the fire in Zones CLO-E099 & CLO-E106. To view the more particulars on evacuation zones and instructions, visit protect.genasys.com.
UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Air Attack relayed that aircraft, including 5 tankers, will continue to work the fire from head to heel, stating the heel was holding. Additionally, the fire is now estimated to be 200 acres in size as of 1:49 p.m.
The IC put in a request for a Sonoma County Task Force, preferably a type 3.
UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: Door to door evacuations continue as fire personnel on both the ground and air battle the Glenhaven Fire. Spot fires continue to be a problem for firefighters with an earlier column had fiery debris falling from it.
According to scanner traffic, a spot fire was reported in a backyard off Lakeview Drive, with residents attempting to battle the blaze as personnel were diverted to the spot for immediate structure protection. Aircraft support was requested with the pilot encouraging the ground crews to continue “keep spraying until you us come by”, highlighting the immediate threat to structures and the effort to prevent property and life loss.
Evacuation Orders – Go Now:
- GLE-E072
- GLE-E094
- CLO-E073
- CLO-E082
- CLO-E098
- CLO-E099
- CLO-E102
- CLO-E106
- CLO-E107
Evacuation Warnings – Prepare to go at a moment’s notice:
- CLO-E057
- CLO-E079
UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: The latest information puts the Glenhaven Fire at 221.9 acres as fire personnel battle multiple spot fires as the blaze remains uncontained. Helicopters are attempting to save a dozer line to the east, however, it is suspected that the line will need to be abandoned as the fire pushes east.
UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Watch Duty is reporting that FIRIS INTEL 12 has mapped the Glenhaven Fire at 293.5 Acres.
For the first time, command stated that crews were “getting a handle on it”, though spotting and the wind continues to test the firefighters.
Additional resources continue to be ordered, included two helicopters equipped with night vision, set to arrive at the Glenhaven Fire at 6:30 p.m.
Temporary evacuation shelters have been set up; the North shelter located at the Lucerne Senior Center, located at 3985 Country Club Drive in Lucerne; the South shelter is located at the Old Airport Property, located at 6820 Old Hwy 53 in Clearlake.
UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: According to a post on Facebook from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, an evacuation shelter has been established at the Twin Pine Casino & Hotel, located at 22223 Hwy 29, in Middletown. According to the post, the evacuation shelter opened at 4 p.m.
UPDATE 4:34 p.m.:
According to scanner traffic, the Glenhaven Fire is holding at approximately 300 acres. There continues to be spotting to the east due to westerly wind influence, but crews are currently mitigating spot fires as they arise.
Two structures have been destroyed at this point, over 2500 structures remain threatened. Over 3000 residents have been impacted due to the blaze.
UPDATE 5:10 p.m.:
Latest update from CAL FIRE:
UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: CAL FIRE states that the fire is now 403 acres.
Thanks to you Matt for keeping us informed
The fire in Lake County has grown to 300 acres, with temperatures near 90°, the wind is blowing it to the south east, the extreme dry vegetation, is attending to the severity, of the event, it is moving along the top of the ridge, and retardant drops, lower down to protect structures, seem to be helping, a bit, afternoon winds, will make it difficult, toward the evening, usually in the late evening the winds will lay down, and could possibly make it easier, to put in those Dozer lines and slowed the spotting and advancement of buyer.