Lake Co. Pawnee Fire Containment Grows, Some Evacuations Lifted

LAKE COUNTY, CA — The Pawnee Fire in Lake County that has prompted assistance from many Bay Area fire agencies was 40-percent contained as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire. The blaze, which started at 5:21 p.m. Saturday, had burned 13,700 acres as of 7 a.m. Thursday, up 200 from the same time Wednesday, fire officials said.

The fire has destroyed 22 structures, damaged six and threatens 600 others, but has not caused any injuries to firefighters or civilians, according to Cal Fire.

Twelve homes were a total loss, according to a Pawnee Fire damage assessment released by Lake Countyofficials. Homes were destroyed on Wolf Creek Road, Spring Valley Road, Doe Trail, Cache Creek Road, Chalk Mountain Road and Pueblo Trail.

Three homes on Wolf Creek, Spring Valley and Chalk Mountain roads and Doe and Pueblo trails, were damaged by the fire.

Ten outbuildings were destroyed and considered a total loss on Wolf Creek and Spring Valley roads.

Two outbuildings were damaged on New Long Valley and Wolf Creek roads.

Evacuations were lifted at 9 a.m. Thursday for the community of Double Eagle, and Wednesday for the Spring Valley community. Walker Ridge and the Indian Valley Reservoir area remain under mandatory evacuation orders, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The cancellation of additional evacuation orders is being evaluated based on a variety of factors, including potential fire behavior, and the reestablishment of critical infrastructure, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters from around the Bay Area have sent crews to battle the blaze. Somona County, Alameda County, Berkeley, Fremont, Oakland, Hayward, San Jose and San Mateo County are among the agencies assisting.

Crews are working to contain the fire as quickly as possible since drier conditions and strong winds are forecasted through the weekend.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

ALSO SEE:

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• Lake Co. Pawnee Fire Burns 11,500 Acres, Destroys 22 Structures
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• PHOTOS: 20,160 Acres Burned In Northern California Wildfires

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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