Good News On Jerusalem Fire: Evacuations Lifted; Containment Improves

Photos via Al Franics of NapaSonomaPhotos.com

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Saturday, Aug. 15, 5 p.m.

As of 2 p.m. today, all evacuations and road closures were lifted for residents near the Jerusalem Fire burning in Lake and Napa counties, Cal Fire said.

Acres consumed total 25,146, and containment has improved to 78 percent, the agency reported this afternoon.

“If you see electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact PG&E immediately,” Cal Fire said. “Trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if still smoking, should be considered hazardous. Please drive slowly as emergency personnel are in the area.”

Firefighters total 2,451.

“The burnout of the interior islands continues to threaten fire control lines,” the agency said. “Crews are safely able to make access to evaluate damaged structures due to reduced fire activity. Teams will continue to survey the fire area to complete a final assessment. Maintain awareness as fire crews and emergency vehicles continue to work in the area.”

The Rocky Fire, meanwhile, which consumed 69,438 acres in Lake, Colusa and Yolo counties, is 100 percent contained as of today, Cal Fire said.

“There are still isolated pockets of smoldering fuel deep within the interior of the burn with minimal fire activity near the perimeter,” Cal Fire said.

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Friday, Aug. 14, 10:45 a.m.

The 24,555-acre Jerusalem Fire in Lake County, and now Napa County, has burned a small area of the northernmost tip of Napa County near Knoxville, a Cal Fire spokesman said.

“It crossed into Napa County late Wednesday afternoon or early (Thursday) morning,” Cal Fire spokesman Steve Swindle said.

The Jerusalem Fire was 52 percent contained as of this morning, and full containment is expected Monday, Cal Fire said.

The bulk of the Jerusalem Fire is circling around and burning into the 69,438-acre Rocky Fire to the north in Lake County, Swindle said. The Rocky Fire is 95 percent contained.

The temperature in the fire area is expected to reach triple digits this weekend, Swindle said. No structures have been burned but 50 are threatened in the Jerusalem Fire.

There were 2,214 fire personnel assisting in fighting the Jerusalem fire as of this morning. The cause of the fires is under investigation.

At the Rocky Fire, 364 personnel are at the scene.

For those wishing to donate for the Jerusalem and Rocky Fire victims, follow this link: Relief Fund For Fire Victims Launched At Redwood Credit Union

Also from the Lake County OES:

“The Lake County OES has received many generous requests on how they can help. An account at Mendo-Lake Credit Union has been established to receive donations to aid in recovery efforts.

“Mendo-Lake Credit Union is accepting financial donations on behalf of North Coast Opportunities to assist with fire recovery efforts. Checks may be made out to Rocky Fire or North Coast Opportunities and dropped off or mailed to the following branch locations:

• 14866 Olympic Drive in Clearlake, CA 95422
• 953 11th Street in Lakeport, CA 95453
• 526 S State Street in Ukiah, CA 94582
#RockyFire.”

• Also see:
• Unbelievable Scenes From Monstrous Rocky Fire: 62,000 Acres Consumed Monday P.M.
• Fire Crews From Southern States Enroute To CA Help Battle Our Blazes

--Bay City News contributed to this report.