LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A fire in Lower Lake on Wednesday afternoon destroyed several outbuildings and damaged utility infrastructure.
The fire, located at the corner of Jessie Street and Highway 53, was dispatched just before 2 p.m., according to radio reports.
Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta said it took about an hour to control the fire.
Sapeta said the fire burned just under an acre, destroyed three outbuildings and caused minimal damage to two residences, Sapeta said.
In addition, there was significant damage to utility infrastructure, with Mediacom, AT&T and PG&E on scene making repairs, according to Sapeta.
PG&E estimated power would be restored around midnight.
At one point Highway 53 was closed briefly because of emergency vehicles on scene, Sapeta said. Smoke also crossed the highway, causing visibility issues.
“It didn't spot,” Sapeta said, noting the wind that often is present in the area. “We were very lucky.”
A total of 35 personnel, nine engines, a water tender and a helicopter worked at the scene. Lake County Fire, Cal Fire, Northshore Fire and the Mendocino National Forest all sent personnel and equipment, Sapeta said.
Sapeta said one firefighter suffered heat exhaustion, went for medical evaluation and was released Wednesday afternoon.
He said firefighters would remain on scene for a few hours for mop up.
Fire investigators also were at the fire location Wednesday afternoon. Sapeta said it was too early to conclude on a cause.
There have been a number of fires in and around Clearlake over the last several days, including the Denton Fire last Saturday, which burned around 20 acres on Denton Lane at Old Highway 53, and an early Monday fire that destroyed a structure on 31st Avenue, as Lake County News has reported.
Some local residents have been concerned that the fires might be related and caused by arson, but Sapeta said there has been no evidence to tie them together or to suggest they were intentionally set.
He said the Denton Fire was attributed to mowing and the 31st Avenue fire does not appear suspicious in nature.
“It's just been a lack of common sense,” said Sapeta, explaining that conditions are very dry and people need to pay attention and be more cautious.
He said grass is very dry, and during the recent heat wave temperatures never dropped below 80 degrees, which didn't allow recovery from the heat for vegetation.
“Those fuels are primed,” he said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.