LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Summer in California is a time for many people to enjoy road trips, see the sights and visit new places.

The California Highway Patrol reminds everyone to put safety first and prepare for travel so summer fun does not become summer disaster.

“Good planning will make your trip safer for everyone – the driver, passengers, and other motorists,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Be sure you and your vehicle are both ready for your summer adventures.”

Summer driving can be more dangerous than winter for several reasons. Vacationing motorists, unfamiliar with an area, may create more traffic and drive unpredictably, either admiring scenery or trying to find their way.

More teenagers, who are inexperienced drivers, are likely to be on the road. Road construction occurring during the summer also requires caution.

The CHP offers these tips to help ensure roadway safety:

• Make sure your vehicle is ready for summer. Check the tires, lights, and radiator system. Summer temperatures place extra stress on your vehicle and all systems should be in good condition for safe travel.

• Know your route. Before you leave, research road conditions and construction. The California Department of Transportation has a mobile app for traffic information, or visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for highway conditions.

• Cell phones can only be used hands-free. However, it is much safer to stop before making or taking calls, even hands-free. Program any mapping devices before you leave.

• Buckle up! Be sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. Check that young passengers are using the correct child safety seat for their height and weight.

• Never leave pets, children, or the elderly alone in a car for any length of time. California laws address how to handle situations in which children or animals are left in vehicles. However, the best approach if you see an unattended child or animal is to call 9-1-1.

• If your vehicle has a problem, such as a flat tire, move it to a safe location, if possible off of the highway. The shoulder of a roadway, no matter how wide, is not a safe place for repair work.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Air quality and health officials reported Tuesday that the Pawnee fire is the source of the smoke plumes and haze that can be seen throughout Lake County.

Smoke was noticeable throughout Lake County in the overnight hours, with most areas experiencing light smoke or haze, according to the Lake County Air Quality Management District.

The agency said some areas close to the fire and at higher elevation may have been in the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive individual ranges.

Weather forecasts indicate “good” to “moderate” conditions should return by mid-afternoon through most of lake county air basin.

Officials said all residents should be prepared for smoke to settle into the area during the overnight hours until the fire is out.

The Lake County Quality Management District reported on Tuesday that air quality conditions remained in the good range for most of the county.

However, the overnight forecast indicates a potential for settling of smoke into the basin. In areas that become impacted by smoke “moderate” to “unhealthy” air quality may be experienced.

Similar conditions are expected Wednesday, though north by north east winds are forecast Tuesday night into Wednesday, which could bring more smoke into the basin. Slight variations in the wind direction can result in significant smoke impacts.

Conditions can change quickly from “good” to “unhealthy,” and this may be the pattern for the next few days, officials said.

Localized areas may experience intermittent particulate levels in the “moderate” to “unhealthy” range. All areas of Lake County may be significantly impacted should meteorological conditions worsen, the air district reported.

Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Goldgraben advised residents to be cautious in resuming normal outdoor activities when smoke is present in your area.

“Variable weather conditions and ongoing fire activity may result in localized areas of reduced air quality, which could still pose health risks to people with underlying health conditions. Since we can’t always predict when and where ‘pockets’ of poor air quality may occur, it is prudent to be careful until conditions stabilize,” she said.

Smoky conditions can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and air passages, which can be hazardous in young children, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions or chronic lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

Individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung or heart diseases should carefully adhere to their medical treatment plans and maintain at least a five-day supply of prescribed medications. They should limit outdoor activity and unnecessary physical exertion. Air conditioning that recirculates indoor air should be used, when available. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is recommended, unless restricted for medical reasons.

Dust masks are not protective against the most harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke that drifts to nearby areas. They are useful in filtering out the ash and larger particles that are encountered in burn areas. Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing harmful particulate matter, but also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended as a general protective measure.

The “good” to moderate” air quality forecast results from lower levels of fine particulates in the smoke and the possibility of increased ground level ozone. These are generated when combustion products in the smoke combine with the high temperatures, sunlight, and humidity. Other chemical reactions reduce visibility by forming secondary particulates. Localized areas of unhealthy air, regional haze, and particulate from this fire can be expected until the fire is out.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As dozers continued to cut fire line around the Pawnee fire and tankers worked from overhead on Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency declaration for the fire.

Sheriff Brian Martin had originally made the local emergency declaration on Sunday, the day after the Pawnee fire began in the Spring Valley Lakes subdivision east of Clearlake Oaks.

The Board of Supervisors is required to ratify the declaration, which they did with California Office of Emergency Services representatives in attendance.

At the time the board voted, Cal Fire had an estimate of 11,500 acres and 5 percent containment on the fire, up by 1,000 from the size given Monday night.

More than 1,400 firefighting personnel are assigned, along with 110 engines, 10 water tenders, 15 helicopters, 35 hand crews and 58 dozers, Cal Fire reported.

The number of destroyed structures remains at 22, with four additional structures damaged, based on the Cal Fire damage assessment team’s work.



Click on the planes for information and flight path. Featured with permission of Flightradar24, www.flightradar.com .


Spring Valley and the nearby Double Eagle Ranch subdivision both remain under mandatory evacuation orders, officials said, with 600 structures threatened and about 1,500 residents impacted by the evacuations.

Also on Tuesday, the fire’s smoke settled into a thick haze over much of Lake County .

In addition to the assigned helicopters, numerous air tankers have been flying over the incident, based on radio traffic.

The dozers continued on Tuesday working around the fire, including cutting safety zones and fire line north of the fire on Hough Ridge.

Cal Fire said the fire continued to burn actively overnight.

On Monday night, the fire jumped Walker Ridge and moved into the Bear Valley area in eastern edge of Colusa County, according to reports from the scene.

Overnight Wilbur Hot Springs was reported to have been fully evacuated.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office issued an immediate evacuation advisory warning for areas east of Walker Ridge, the Wilbur Springs area, Bear Valley and Brim Road.

Cal Fire also reported on a number of Pawnee fire-related road closure updates on Tuesday.

In Lake County, Old Long Valley Road, New Long Valley Road, Walker Ridge and Mule Skinner Road are all closed at Highway 20.

In Colusa County, Bear Valley Road at Highway 20, Bear Valley Road at Brim Road and Leesville Lodge Road at Brim Road are closed.

Cal Fire said road closures in those areas are staffed by law enforcement personnel and public access won’t be granted.

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.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Cal Fire and local officials gave community members impacted by the Pawnee fire an update on conditions and firefighting operations during a Monday evening meeting.

About 40 people attended the community meeting at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, hosted by Cal Fire Incident Management Team 3, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Northshore Fire Protection District.

The Pawnee fire was first reported on Saturday evening in the Spring Valley Lakes subdivision east of Clearlake Oaks.

That same evening, Spring Valley was placed under a mandatory evacuation order which remains in effect.

Since then, with the fire moving to the east, mandatory evacuations also have been ordered for the nearby Double Eagle Ranch subdivision. Power has been cut to both communities due to downed power lines and trees.

Incident Management Team 3 Operations Chief Geoff Belyea said that on Monday crews made good progress on the southern portion of the incident, which had started as a spot fire at Spring Valley’s south end.

He said they buttoned up the southern end of the fire and were working to finish putting in control line on the north end of that spot fire along New Long Valley Road in order to fortify Spring Valley.

Along the fire’s western edge, Belyea said crews were making good progress, with bulldozers, hand crews and engine companies laying down fire hose.

In the area of Chalk Mountain, there was an unburned “island” of fuel – or vegetation – that ignited on Monday, sending up a lot of spoke. Having that fuel burn out actually was helpful, Belyea said.

On Monday evening, he said the main push of the fire was away from Spring Valley and toward the Walker Ridge area, located at the border of Lake and Colusa counties. He said hand crews, engines and dozers were working in the Double Eagle Ranch nearby.

Belyea noted that the fire had grown on its north end, and was burning northeasterly toward Indian Valley.

Incident Management Team 3 Assistant Chief Billy See said that damage assessment teams have been in the field counting the burned structures.

The count as of Monday night remained at 22 destroyed structures, of which 12 were residences and 10 outbuildings, See said.

See said the damage assessment was expected to be completed within 36 hours.

At that time, the fire had burned 10,500 acres and was 5 percent contained, with that containment near the impacted communities, he said.

The fire at that point was not active in Spring Valley, with the main fire growth pushing to the east and northeast, he said.

“Each day we’re fighting Mother Nature now,” he said, explaining that the weather was see-sawing between red flag warnings for low humidity and high temperatures, to delta-influenced conditions, with higher humidity and winds.

When asked about when evacuees might be able to return home, Sheriff Brian Martin said he hoped it would be this week. He said 1,500 people from 500 to 600 homes were impacted by the evacuations.

Before people can return home, he explained that Pacific Gas and Electric has to restore power, with power lines still down and other hazards throughout the community, including trees across roads.

“The primary concern is we make it as safe as we possibly can,” Martin said.

Martin also reported that the second Wolf Creek bridge further into the subdivision had been compromised by the fire, but that Lake County Public Works Director Scott De Leon may have an option to install a bailey bridge. He said the first Wolf Creek bridge remains open.

He also reported that the Spring Valley Pantry, the community center and Cowboy Church all survived the fire. PG&E had dropped in and hardwired a generator at the market, which is continuing to remain open and has supplied first responders with meals.

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.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Authorities on Monday arrested a Ukiah man found with marijuana and a concealed weapon in the Pawnee fire evacuation zone in Spring Valley Lakes.

Christian Hiran Campos, 30, was taken into custody on Monday afternoon, according to Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

All of Spring Valley Lakes has been under mandatory evacuation since Saturday evening, when a fire erupted on the northern end of the subdivision and threatened the entire community, as Lake County News has reported.

Paulich said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from local law enforcement agencies to assist with patrolling the evacuated areas.

The responding agencies included the Lakeport Police Department, Clearlake Police Department, California State Parks, California Fish and Wildlife and the California Highway Patrol, Paulich said.

He said those agencies are patrolling for unauthorized people in the area and contacting them to determine their reason for being in the area.

On Monday at 1:40 p.m. Lakeport Police Officer Andrew Welter was assisting the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with patrolling the Spring Valley area when he observed a black Toyota 4Runner traveling on Spring Valley Road with expired license plate tags, Paulich said.

Paulich said Welter conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, who identified himself Campos, and said he was working in the Spring Valley community but was unable to identify who he was working for or what he was doing.

Welter determined Campos was an unlicensed driver, Paulich said. A consensual search of Campos’s vehicle revealed he was in possession of approximately 2 pounds of marijuana and a loaded handgun. Other items found inside the Toyota were a small weighing scale and binoculars.

Campos was arrested and booked at the Lake County Jail for being an unauthorized person in disaster zone, possession of more than 28.5 grams of cannabis, possession of cannabis for sale, transportation of cannabis for sale, possession of a concealed firearm in vehicle, unlicensed driver.

Jail records showed that his bail was set at $5,000, with a Wednesday arraignment set.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Fire crews continue to battle the Pawnee fire, and with thousands of residents already ordered evacuated from their homes, the county of Lake has received requests for information on the most effective way to make donations to assist fire Survivors and their families.

Officials said cash donations are most helpful at this time. They allow those supporting disaster relief efforts to direct assistance where it is most needed.

The county is unable to accept in-kind donations, such as clothing, household goods and other supplies.

In-kind donations require significant time and financial resources to distribute.

If someone close to you needs clothing or other everyday items, please provide them directly, if you can. If you are able to help the broader disaster response and relief effort, cash is best.

Those who are able, please make cash donations at: https://www.ncoinc.org/.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Monday issued a consumer alert following Gov. Jerry Brown’s declaration of a state of emergency in Lake County due to the Pawnee fire east of Clearlake Oaks.

Attorney General Becerra reminds all Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

“Families in Lake County are in the midst of dealing with a devastating wildfire. They should not have to worry about whether they’re being illegally cheated out of fair prices,” said Becerra. “Our state’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies.”

He encouraged anyone who has been the victim of price gouging, or who has information regarding potential price gouging, to immediately file a complaint through his office’s Web site or call 800-952-5225, or to contact their local police department or sheriff’s office.

California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10 percent, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials and gasoline.

The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.

Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution.

Attorney General Becerra and local district attorneys can enforce the statute.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The American Red Cross is working alongside partners to provide shelter, food, and comfort for people forced to leave their homes with little notice during the Pawnee fire, burning east of Clearlake Oaks.

The fire has already scorched thousands of acres and forced more than a thousand of people to evacuate. An estimated 1,200 people have been ordered to evacuate and hundreds of structures are in the path of the fires.

For the latest evacuation information, visit the Lake County Sheriff Office’s Web site at http://www.lakesheriff.com/.

Red Cross disaster workers have opened a shelter at Lower Lake High School, 9430 Lake St., where people can find safe refuge from the fires. Additional supplies and volunteers are being mobilized now.

The Red Cross is also providing meals, health services, comfort and other support for affected residents.

Additional cots, blankets and emergency relief supplies are being mobilized now to support relief efforts. Volunteers from across Northern California are now traveling in the area to support sheltering, feeding, logistics and planning efforts.

The Red Cross is also working closely with government and community partners to coordinate relief efforts. Some of the partners they are working with include The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lake County Social Services and Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Lake County Animal Care and Control’s LEAP program is helping with sheltering of evacuated animals at Lower Lake High School. Large animal staging is located at Social Service Center, 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway, Lower Lake.

For additional animal needs, call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278. This is also the same number to call for urgent boarding of large and small animals.

You can help people affected by disasters big and small, like the California wildfires and countless other crises, by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Call, click, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

In-kind donations discouraged

Americans are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster.

Unfortunately, collecting and sending food, clothing and other household items often does more harm than good. Instead, the best way to support disaster victims is with a financial donation.

It takes time and money to store, sort, clean and distribute donated items, which diverts limited time and resources away from helping those most affected.

In contrast, financial donations can be accessed quickly to support those affected, and be put to use right away. With a financial donation, individuals can buy what they need and want.

Storing donated items can also result in thousands of dollars in warehousing, cleaning, transportation and handling fees – whereas financial donations allow us to be flexible to give those directly affected by wildfires what they need most.

American Cross’ first priority is the safety and well-being of those affected by disasters. Unfortunately, some well-intentioned donations of clothing or other items may be inadvertently soiled or dirty, which can cause illness.

Financial donations don’t pose any health risks and can be used right away to replace items like medications and reading glasses.

Before collecting or dropping off donations of food, clothing or household items, please call to see if these items are needed. On some occasions, the Red Cross will accept donations, except for homemade food, at its shelters.

How to volunteer

Trained Red Cross volunteers are currently staffing shelters and supporting residents. As the disaster continues to evolve, the Red Cross will assess how community volunteers can best support the operation.

Please apply online to become a Red Cross volunteer https://tinyurl.com/ARCPawnee if you are interested in helping with this response or responses like this in the future.

Stay connected with loved ones

Visit the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site at http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell to reconnect with loved ones.

The site allows individuals and organizations to register and post messages to indicate that they are safe or to search for loved ones. The site is always available, open to the public and available in Spanish.

Registrations and searches can be done directly on the website. Registrations can also be completed by texting SAFE to 78876.

You can also use the “I’m Safe” feature of the Red Cross Emergency App to let loved ones know your status.

Wildfire safety steps

The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and to have an emergency kit ready to go.

Listen to your local media for updates on the fire and be ready to leave quickly. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing your direction of escape.

Keep your pets in one room so you can find them quickly if you have to evacuate.

Arrange for a temporary place to stay outside the threatened area.

Keep your indoor air clean – close windows and doors to prevent the smoke outside from getting in your home.

Use the recycle mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s too hot to be inside, seek shelter somewhere else.

If smoke levels are high, don’t use anything that burns and adds to air pollution inside such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.

Don’t go home until fire officials say it is safe. Be cautious about entering a burned area – hazards could still exist.

Avoid damaged or downed power lines, poles and wires.

Keep your animals under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn them.

Wet down debris to minimize breathing dust particles.

Wear leather gloves and shoes with heavy soles.

Throw out any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.

Recheck for smoke or sparks throughout your home for several hours after the fire, including in your attic. Wildfire winds can blow burning embers anywhere so check for embers that could cause a fire.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Pawnee fire continued its push into the backcountry on Monday, scorching a few thousand more acres as more air and ground resources joined the fight.

Cal Fire officials said Monday evening that the fire had grown to 10,500 acres, up by 2,200 acres from the morning estimate, with 5 percent containment.

Reports from the scene estimated that the fire could have grown still further by nightfall.

As of Monday morning, the incident was in unified command between Cal Fire, Northshore Fire Protection District and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Mendocino National Forest, where the fire was reported to have burned 420 acres by nightfall.

Resources assigned to the incident ballooned on Monday, with 110 engines, 10 water tenders, 15 helicopters, 58 dozers, several air tankers and 1,422 personnel working the incident, with more resources en route, Cal Fire said in its evening report.

All of the Spring Valley Lakes and Double Eagle Ranch subdivisions remain under mandatory evacuation due to the fire danger, officials said.



Incident radio traffic indicated that the fire’s activity had once again turned aggressive on Monday, pushed by the gusting winds into the mid 20s moving through the area.

The fire was making runs at ridges and moving to the east, burning through retardant lines, throwing spots and continuing to threaten homes, based on radio reports.

It was reported to be heading toward Walker Ridge at around 4:30 p.m., and firefighters were trying to tie fire line for the Pawnee fire into the far northwest corner of the scar left behind by the July 2015 Rocky fire, which also had impacted the area.

Just before 6 p.m., incident command reported that four helicopters were working around the creek in Spring Valley, in addition to the multiple tankers that were being used in the firefight.

A report from the incident’s helibase shortly after 7 p.m. said 18 water drops had been made for a total of 26,000 gallons of water during the day.

Bulldozers also have been a key resources in the effort, working to cut fire line in remote and rugged terrain, based on radio reports. One of the dozers was reported to be overheating on the fire line.

Just after 7:20 p.m., the fire was predicted to jump Walker Ridge within minutes, which it did, throwing off spots on the eastern side of the ridge, based on reports from the scene. Firefighters in the area were attempting to protect a communications repeater and a nearby cabin.

Within about 10 minutes of that jump, incident command said the sheriff’s office needed to begin evacuations in the Bear Valley area, where the fire is moving.

Structure defense in Double Eagle Ranch also was continuing on Monday evening, with retardant lines being put in for the night at around 8 p.m., based on radio reports.

A short time later, it was reported over the air that retardant was being placed around the entire Double Eagle Ranch subdivision. Incident command said the fire had been backing down into a draw to the west of the subdivision, and they didn’t think the fire would reach the community overnight but it could on Tuesday.

The fire also has continued to move toward the remote Bartlett Springs area. Radio reports indicated that it isn’t expected to reach Bartlett Springs Road overnight but may get there on Tuesday as well.

Incident command also is looking at placing dozer line on Hough Ridge to the north of the fire overnight.

Shortly before 9 p.m., reports from the scene estimated the fire could already have grown to 15,000 acres.

The dry conditions have made the incident more challenging to fight, but Cal Fire said humidity is expected to rise above 60 percent overnight, which will aid firefighters.

Incident command also reported that it expects the fire conditions to slow overnight.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

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.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – On Monday, as firefighters continued battling the Pawnee fire east of Clearlake Oaks, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Lake County in response to the incident, which also will be the topic of a special Monday evening community meeting.

The governor’s action follows a declaration of a local emergency issued by Sheriff Brian Martin on Sunday, as Lake County New has reported.

As of Monday morning, the fire was reported to have burned 8,200 acres and destroyed 22 homes.

Those numbers are expected to change due to fire activity picking back up significantly during the day because of high winds and hot temperatures.

Sheriff Martin told Lake County News on Monday afternoon that there have been no reported injuries or fatalities.

At that point he did not have updated acreage numbers, and Cal Fire said it did not expect to release a new acreage update until Monday evening.

The community of Spring Valley Lakes, where the fire began, and nearby Double Eagle Ranch remain under mandatory evacuation, with power to both subdivisions cut off, officials said.

With significant fire activity threatening Double Eagle Ranch, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Monday afternoon sent out an alert urging all residents of the subdivision to evacuate immediately.

Martin said the fire is burning primarily in unpopulated areas, with firefighters hoping to keep it from coming back into Spring Valley.

Radio reports indicated that firefighters continued to work on structure protection on Monday afternoon.

Martin said a damage inspection team was out in the field on Monday to get an update on burned structures but as for 4 p.m. had not reported back.

However, he said he did not expect that there would be a lot more added to the 22 destroyed structures reported so far.

Cal Fire said it will host a community meeting on the incident at 6 p.m. Monday at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, 15900 East Highway 20.

Cal Fire Incident Management Team 3, in conjunction with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Northshore Fire Protection District, will host the meeting to discuss the fire’s current situation.

Officials will give an operational overview briefing highlighting the current actions that firefighters are taking on the fire. Officials als will be available to answer questions.

Also on Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Pawnee fire burning.

On Sunday, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Pawnee Fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 508 homes in and around the community of Spring Valley, as well as utilities and watershed, and mandatory evacuations had been issued for for approximately 1,500 people with the potential for further evacuations.

The FEMA regional administrator determined the Pawnee Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, and approved the state’s request on Sunday morning.

Fire Management Assistance Grants, or FMAGs, provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

The text of the governor’s emergency declaration is below.


WHEREAS on June 23, 2018, the Pawnee Fire began burning in Lake County; and

WHEREAS this fire has already burned over 8,000 acres and continues to burn; and

WHEREAS this fire has destroyed homes and other structures and continues to threaten hundreds of additional structures, necessitating the evacuation of residents; and

WHEREAS the fire has caused power outages, forced the closure of roadways, and continues to threaten critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS high temperatures, low humidity, and erratic winds have further increased the spread of this fire; and

WHEREAS the Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted a Fire Management Assistant Grant to assist with the mitigation, management, and control of the Pawnee Fire; and

WHEREAS the circumstances of this fire, by reason of its magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exists in Lake County due to this fire; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I find that strict compliance with the various statutes and regulations specified in this order would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of the Pawnee Fire.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in Lake County due to the Pawnee Fire.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all citizens are to heed the advice of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.

The Office of Emergency Services shall provide local government assistance to Lake County, if appropriate, under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act, Government Code section 8680 et seq., and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, section 2900 et seq.

As necessary to assist local governments and for the protection of public health and the environment, state agencies shall enter into contracts to arrange for the procurement of materials, goods, and services necessary to quickly assist with the response to and recovery from the impacts of the Pawnee Fire. Applicable provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code, including but not limited to travel, advertising, and competitive bidding requirements are suspended to the extent necessary to address the effects of the Pawnee Fire.

The provisions of Unemployment Insurance Code section 1253 imposing a one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance applicants are suspended as to all applicants who are unemployed as a direct result of the Pawnee Fire, who applied for unemployment insurance benefits during the time period beginning June 23, 2018 and ending on the close of business on December 23, 2018, and who are otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

Vehicle Code sections 9265(a), 9867, 14901, 14902, and 15255.2, requiring the imposition of fees, are suspended with regard to any request for replacement of a driver’s identification card, vehicle registration certificate, or certificate of title, by any individual who lost such records as a result of the Pawnee Fire. Such records shall be replaced without charge.

The provisions of Vehicle Code sections 4602 and 5902, requiring the timely registration or transfer of title are suspended with regard to any registration or transfer of title by any resident of Lake County who is unable to comply with those requirements as a result of the Pawnee Fire. The time covered by this suspension shall not be included in calculating any late penalty pursuant to Vehicle Code section 9554.

Health and Safety Code sections 103525.5 and 103625, and Penal Code section 14251, requiring the imposition of fees are hereby suspended with regard to any request for copies of certificates of birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records, by any individual who lost such records as a result of the Pawnee Fire. Such copies shall be provided without charge.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 25th day of June 2018.


__________________________
EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California


ATTEST:


__________________________
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State


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.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Pawnee fire’s rapid growth has slowed as hundreds of firefighters continue to battle the blaze in rugged territory east of Clearlake Oaks.

Cal Fire said early Monday that the fire has burned 8,200 acres, with no containment yet achieved.

The fire has so far destroyed 22 structures, with another 600 still threatened, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said no injuries have so far occurred.

The fire was first reported shortly before 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Spring Valley Lakes subdivision. Cal Fire said the fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Driven by winds and dry conditions, on Sunday the fire burned actively and its size more than quadrupled, with numerous spot fires reported around Spring Valley and to the east at the Indian Valley Reservoir. 

But overnight Sunday and into early Monday the fire’s activity seemed to slow, based on reports from the scene.

Radio reports indicated fire crews worked through the night, using dozers to build fire lines around the fire.

The fire’s rapid growth on Saturday triggered a communitywide evacuation in Spring Valley Lakes that spread to the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision to the east on Sunday, as Lake County News has reported.

Authorities said those mandatory evacuations remain in effect. An evacuation is open at Lower Lake High School, 9430 Lake St., and a staging location for animal evacuations is at Lake County Social Services, 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway, Lower Lake.

Highway 20 has so far not been affected by the fire, but there are road closure on New Long Valley Road and Old Long Valley Road where they intersect with the highway.

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.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will consider selecting a proposal to reopen the Lucerne Hotel as a college and conference center, and take up a new local emergency declaration for the Pawnee fire.

The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.

In an item timed for 9:45 a.m., the board will consider approving a proposal from The Romero Institute - New Paradigm College, which wants to purchase the historic Lucerne Hotel from the county and reopen it as a college and conference center.

The staff report explains that the institute “intends to transform the Lucerne Hotel property into a four-year educational institution offering a Bachelor of Arts degree program in Integrative Global Studies, as well as a University Extension Program, and a Conference Center for Lake County and surrounding communities. These offerings would be made in partnership and with support of administration and faculty from the University of San Francisco and additional participation from Williams College, Rice University, Kansas State University, Loyola Marymount, and the University of Manitoba.”

The institute’s cover letter states that, “the establishment of a close, creative, and productive relationship with the citizens of Lake County and their leaders is a foundational purpose of the College,” and is signed by famed attorney Daniel Sheehan, president of the college.

Sheehan is notable for his participation in cases involving the Pentagon Papers, Karen Silkwood and, more recently, the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

In addition to Sheehan, the founding team includes former District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing; Seth Wachtel, director and associate professor of architecture and community design at the University of San Francisco; and William Stranger, publisher of DarmaCafe Books and co-founder of Napa Valley’s Calistoga Institute.

In other news, on Sunday Sheriff Brian Martin declared a local emergency due to the Pawnee fire.

He said that proclamation is expected to be added to the board agenda for Tuesday, as the board is required to ratify it.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

7.1: Adopt Proclamation commending Kevin Seymour and Matt Selzer for their lifesaving efforts at a structure fire in Hidden Valley Lake.

7.2: Approve Minutes of the Board of Supervisors meetings held May 8, 2018 and May 15, 2018.

7.3: (a) Approve settlement agreement and release with accord communications and authorize the chair to sign; and (b) approve restructured agreement with Accord Communications and authorize the chair to sign.

7.4: Approve second amendment to agreement between the city of Clearlake, city of Lakeport and the county of Lake relative to operation of a local public, educational, and governmental (PEG) cable television channel; and authorize the chair to sign.

7.5: Adopt resolution approving unanticipated revenue to fund Aquatic Weed Control Program.

7.6: Sitting as LCAQMD Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing participation in Woodsmoke Reduction Pilot Program, and authorizing the air pollution control officer to sign the memorandum of understanding and all program documents.

7.7: Sitting as LCAQMD Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing participation in AB617 Community Air Protection Program, and authorizing the air pollution control officer to sign and execute the grant agreement and all program documents.

7.8: Sitting as LCAQMD Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing participation in AB197 Emissions Inventory District Grant Program, and authorizing the air pollution control officer to sign and execute the grant agreement and all program documents.

7.9: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, per Ordinance #2406, Purchasing Code 38.2, determining that competitive bidding would produce no economic benefit to the county; and (b) consider hourly contract for veterinary services with Dr. Richard Bachman, DVM, in the not to exceed amount of $25,000 and authorize the chair to sign.

7.10: Authorize advanced step hiring of David Schwenger for chief deputy assessor-recorder-valuations, step 5.

7.11: Adopt resolution establishing 2018-2019 appropriations limit for the county of Lake and Special Districts Governed by the Board of Supervisors.

7.12: Adopt the resolution approving Amendment A01 to the standard agreement between the county of Lake and the Department of Health Care Services for the period of May 1, 2013, through June 30, 2017, and authorize the Behavioral Health administrator to sign the amendment.

7.13: Adopt the resolution approving the standard agreement between the county of Lake and the Department of Health Care Services for the period of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2022, and authorize the Behavioral Health administrator to sign the standard agreement.

7.14: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Trina Maia, for physical therapy in support of the California Children's Services Program and the Medical Therapy Program for a term starting July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, and a maximum amount of $81,375; and authorize the chair to sign.

7.15: Approve contract between county of Lake and Sheila McCarthy, OT, registered for occupational therapy services in support of the California Children's Services Program and the Medical Therapy Unit for a term starting July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2019, and a maximum compensation of $27,244.80; and authorize the chair to sign.

7.16: Approve purchase of Vertiv uninterruptible power supply unit and accessories in the county courthouse server room in the amount of $29,515.04; and authorize the IT director to issue purchase order to CDW.

7.17: Approve amendment to the lease agreement between the county of Lake and Gary Weiser and Shelley Weiser for the office space located at 4477 Moss Ave, Unit B, Clearlake, for the period from April 1, 2018, through March 31, 2021, for an amount not to exceed $13,200 annually; and authorize the chair to sign.

7.18: Approve agreement between the Lake County Sheriff's Department and U.S. Forest Service for FY 17/18 annual operating and financial plan, in the amount of $19,000 for controlled substance operations, and authorize the sheriff and the chairman to sign.

7.19: Approve the sealed bid award for the purchase of a full body scanner for use by the Lake County Jail/Hill Road Facility and to authorize the sheriff/coroner/assistant purchasing agent to issue purchase order to Adani Systems Inc. in the amount of $113,662.50.

7.20: Approve late travel claim in the amount of $64 to Susan West for meal reimbursement while attending a training session.

7.21: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority in the amount of $73,920 from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, for CALWORKS Public Transportation Services and authorize the chair to sign.

7.22: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Family Resource Center in the amount of $25,000 from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, for CALWORKS Domestic Violence Services, and authorize the chair to sign.

TIMED ITEMS

8.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of Proclamation commending Kevin Seymour and Matt Selzer for their lifesaving efforts at a structure fire in Hidden Valley Lake.

8.3, 9:15 a.m.: Consideration of continuing a proclamation of a local emergency due to the Sulphur fire incident.

8.4, 9:16 a.m.: Consideration of continuing a proclamation of a local emergency due to wildfire conditions, pertaining to the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires.

8.5, 9:17 a.m.: Consideration of continuing a proclamation of a local emergency due to Clayton fire.

8.6 ,9:18 a.m.: Consideration of continuing a proclamation of a local emergency due to the atmospheric river storm.

8.7, 9:20 a.m.: Appeal hearing, consideration of appeal of an administrative citation for Renatto Aguas.

8.8, 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of a resolution amending the master fee schedule for departmental services rendered by the county.

8.9, 9:45 a.m.: Consideration and Approval of Lucerne Hotel RFP proposer’s recommendation by proposal evaluation panel.

8.10, 10:15 a.m.: Presentation from the cyanobacteria workgroup to the board.

UNTIMED ITEMS

9.2: Consideration of the following appointments: In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Committee Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board.

9.3: Consideration of (a) board member appointment to new Redevelopment Agency Oversight Board; and (b) public member appointment to new Redevelopment Agency Oversight Board.

9.4: Consideration of (a) resolution adopting the post-employment benefits trust administered by public agency retirement services and appointing the county administrative officer as the plan administrator; and (b) resolution transferring the current balance in the Pension Stabilization Reserve (Fund 155) to the Section 115 Post-Employment Benefits Trust and authorizing initial investment portfolio option.

9.5: Consideration of an agreement for medical services in Lake County's detention facility with California Forensic Medical Group for FY 2018-2019.

9.6: Consideration of (a) amendment one to agreement between the county of Lake and Lake County Waste Solutions Inc. for solid waste handling and recycling services; and (b) amendment one to agreement between the county of Lake and South Lake Refuse Company LLC for solid waste handling and recycling services.

9.7: Consideration of resolution and adoption of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

CLOSED SESSIONS

10.1: Public employee evaluation title: County librarian.

10.2: Employee disciplinary appeal (EDA 18-01) Pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54957.

10.3: Public employee appointments pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): (a) Appointment of Water Resources director (b) Appointment of Community Development director.

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.