Jerusalem Fire Repopulation
Public Information Release
August 15, 2015
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer
Jerusalem Fire Repopulation
Repopulation Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Evacuations and road closures have been lifted including:
•Jerusalem Valley Road starting at Spruce Grove Road (east)
•Morgan Valley Road from Reiff Road southeast to Napa County Line
•Reiff Road from Morgan Valley east to Yolo County Line
•Berryessa Knoxville Road from Lake Berryessa north
•Road 40 at Highway 16 to the west
SAFETY MESSAGE
If you see electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact PG&E immediately. Trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if still smoking, should be considered hazardous. Please drive slowly as emergency personnel are in the area. Subject to Change Based on Operational Conditions.
As you re-enter your property and evaluate damage, be aware that hazardous conditions may exist, particularly if a residence or out-building has burned. Hazards may include asbestos, heavy metals, byproducts or plastic combustion and various other chemicals.
Various agencies will also be involved with the Jerusalem Fire recovery effort and may provide additional assistance to property owners. Further details are forthcoming. In the meantime, it is recommended that you bring your questions and coordinate your clean-up efforts with the Lake County Residents Help Line at: 1.800.325.9604
Additional information regarding the Jerusalem Fire can be obtained by contacting the Public Information Line at (707) 967-4207 or the Media Line at (916) 591-9008
Once a wildfire has burned through an area, many dangers may remain. The following is a list of precautions when returning home, which has been provided by CAL Fire and PG&E.
When driving to your property check for:
Trees, brush and rocks which may be weakened or loosened by fire. Trees and brush weakened by fire may lose limbs or fall. Rocks loosened by fire may roll and crumble. If rocks have rolled down a slope expect more to follow.
Debris or damage from fire on roads and driveways.
Debris on the road near your home and in your driveway. Clearing the debris to the edge of your driveway and removing it later will help keep your home safe from fire.
Utility poles weakened by fire.
At your property, check for fire or fire damage:
Hot embers in rain gutters, on the roof and under overhangs.
Hot embers under decks and in crawl spaces.
Hot embers in wood piles, debris piles and lawn.
Ensure well or pump-house is in working order.
If your electrical service has not been interrupted you may continue to use your power for such things as pumping water, etc.
If your services are off, check for burned service equipment and facilities:
Is there damage to the gas meter, gas lines or propane tank? If there is any visible damage, do not attempt to repair or turn on these services. Call your local propane company or utility.
Look at the electric meter. If there is any visible damage, do not attempt to turn the breaker on.
If there are electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact your local utility immediately.
When you have secured safety outside your home, check inside for fire or fire damage.
Embers in the attic, which may have entered through vents.
If electricity is off, before turning it on, make sure all appliances are turned off. Once you are sure all appliances are turned off, there is no fire damage to your building and the meter does not have any visible damage you may turn on the main circuit breaker.
Check if the phone is working.
Check if security system and alarms are working.
Use flashlights to help inspect your home and surrounding area.
After checking your property, continue to use caution and note outdoor conditions:
Trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if still smoking should be considered hazardous.
Smoldering holes on the ground can be full of hot coals.
White ash is evidence of hot material.
If you find any of these conditions:
Fire and other emergencies – Stay away and report condition to a local fire or law enforcement official in the area and call 911.
Damaged utility equipment – Report electrical problems and damaged equipment to your local utility.
Gas Leaks – Report electrical problems and damaged equipment to your local utility.
Address/Location
Lake County CA Sheriff's Department
1220 Martin St
Lakeport, CA 95453
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-263-2690