Golf Fire Threatens Lake County Homes

LAKE COUNTY, CA — A wildfire has scorched at least 33 acres since Thursday near Clear Lake and is threatening 40 homes and other structures in the Riviera West community, according to Cal Fire. The Golf Fire was reported at 12:59 p.m. Thursday off Soda Bay Road and Golf Drive, said Bruce Lang, spokesman for Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.

"Upon arrival the fire was estimated to be five acres with a moderate rate of spread," Lang said.

Residents of Riviera West are under evacuation orders, with an evacuation center set up at Kelseyville High School, 5480 Main St., in Kelseyville.

Soda Bay Road is closed from Golf Drive to Crystal Drive because of the wildfire that remained 30-percent contained as of 7 a.m. Friday.

"Repopulation of Riviera West and evacuation advisory of Riviera Heights will happen late afternoon, Soda Bay Road closure will be reevaluated this afternoon," Lang said Friday morning.

Lang said 155 firefighters and other personnel are now assigned to the blaze.

Four air tankers and four helicopters were being used to fight the fire Thursday; Friday morning that was down to three helicopters.

"Crews made good progress through the night despite the steep terrain, heavy timber and thick brush," Lang said in a Friday morning update. "Advancing and strengthening containment lines continues throughout the day. Anticipating to re-energize power after PG&E inspects the lines."

In addition to Cal Fire crews, personnel from Kelseyville Fire Protection District, South Lake Fire Protection District, Lakeport Fire District, Lake County Fire Protection District, Williams Fire Protection Authority, City of Colusa, Lake County Sherriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol are assigned to the Golf Fire.

Full containment of the blaze is expected Friday, according to Lang.

No injuries or structure damages have been reported.

The cause of the wildfire has not been determined.

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LIVE VIDEO: #GolfFire near Clearlake now at 15 acres, prompts evacuations in Lake County. https://t.co/NLSnnGiWqy pic.twitter.com/LZDwzLJzop
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) August 8, 2019