Clayton Fire Latest: Containment Improves to 40%

LAKE COUNTY, CA – The Clayton Fire, now in its fifth day near Lower Lake in Lake County, has destroyed 3,929 acres as of this morning, however, containment markedly improved overnight to 40 percent, according to officials.

"Firefighters made good progress last night and were able to construct additional control lines," Cal fire reported. Containment on Tuesday morning was 20 percent.

Roughly 700 additional firefighters joined crews at the scene, bringing today's total fire personnel to 2,372, according to Cal Fire. More than 175 structures were destroyed, to date, and an additional 380 are threatened as of this morning, the department said.

"Today, Damage Inspection Teams will continue to gather damage data in the affected areas. The inspection process is meticulous and ongoing," Cal Fire officials said. "As additional information becomes available, the numbers of damaged or destroyed structures may change."

While the cause is officially still listed as "under investigation," a Clearlake man was arrested Monday for suspicion of arson for the Clayton Fire and other blazes in the area.

Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, was booked on 17 suspected arson-related counts into the Lake County Jail Monday, Cal Fire spokesperson Daniel Berlant said. The Clayton Fire arson charge will carry enhancements due to the destruction of homes and businesses, he said.

For the latest updates on evacuation orders from the Lake County Sheriff's Office, follow this link.

The Clayton Fire broke out Saturday evening near Highway 29 and Clayton Creek, south of Lower Lake.

Previous Clayton Fire coverage:

• Clearlake Man Arrested On Suspected Arson For Clayton Fire, Other Blazes
• Clayton Fire Keeps Growing; Containment Still 5% [UPDATE]
• Clayton Fire Day 3: Blaze Roars On With 3,000 Acres Consumed [UPDATE]
• UPDATE: Clayton Fire Balloons To 1,400 Acres In 12 Hours
• Clayton Fire In Lake County Grows To 600 Acres, 15% Containment

--Photo via Santa Clara County Fire Department. Crews from the County of Santa Clara worked a 24-hour shift at the Clayton Fire on structure assessment and structure preparation.