Wildfire Near Clearlake More Than Doubles In Size Overnight
LAKE COUNTY (CBS13) – A wildfire near Clearlake exploded overnight, according to new numbers from Cal Fire.
The Rocky Fire, as it's being called, grew from 3,000 to 8,000 acres from last report Wednesday night to Thursday morning. The flames continue to burn unchecked, with no containment reported. As of late Thursday morning, the fire has grown to 8,300 acres.
Firefighters in Lake County get a briefing on the 8,000 acre #RockyFire and form a plan of a attack for today. pic.twitter.com/9mdJfTDRKa
— CAL FIRE PIO (@CALFIRE_PIO) July 30, 2015
Evacuations have been ordered for the following areas: the North side of Morgan Valley Road for 5 miles east of Bonham Road and south of Lower Lake along Spruce Grove Road North, Noble Ranch, Jerusalem Grade and Cantwell Ranch.
At least 500 people have been forced to evacuate. Dozens of buildings are threatened.
Several outbuildings have been destroyed, Cal Fire says.
More than 300 firefighters from multiple districts are at the scene. Rugged, heavily brushed and timbered terrain is complicating the firefight.
Firefighters are battling a total of 14 fires statewide, with Cal Fire dealing with 8 and the U.S. Forest Service with 6.