Rocky Fire In Lake County Explodes In Size To 8,000 Acres, Evacuations Ordered

LAKE COUNTY (CBS SF) – A brush fire that broke out in Lake County on Wednesday afternoon has scorched 8,000 acres overnight, prompting the evacuations of several hundred people.

According to officials, the so-called "Rocky Fire" was first reported around 3:30 p.m. around Rocky Creek Road and Morgan Valley Road near the town of Lower Lake, about 105 miles north of San Francisco.

After burning 150 acres as of 6:00 p.m, Cal Fire reported the blaze burned 3,000 acres as of 10:30 p.m. and destroyed several outbuildings. As of Thursday morning, Cal Fire reported 8,000 acres were burned.

Cal Fire said the fire is burning in a rugged area that is difficult to access.

Evacuations have been ordered for the north side of Morgan Valley Road for five miles east of Bonham Road. Officials said there are around 500 evacuees.

For evacuees, Cal Fire said an evacuation center has been set up at the Highland Senior Center on Bowers Road in Clearlake. There is also an animal evacuation center in the parking lot of Lower Lake Social Services at 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway in Lower Lake.

Smoke from the fire has been spotted as far away as Napa County.

As of late Wednesday night, Cal Fire said more than 300 firefighters are responding to the Rocky Fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

In:
• Fire
• Wildfires
• Lake County