Full Notification

Public Information Release
August 13, 2012
Sergeant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


The “Wye Fire” which started at approximately 4:05 pm on Sunday, continues to burn in two locations east of Clearlake Oaks. The first fire is located just east of the “Y” at the intersection of Hwy 53 and Hwy 20 in Clearlake Oaks. The second fire is located east of Walker Ridge Road, close to Hwy 20 and is actively burning in both Lake and Colusa Counties. Both fires were estimated to have burned approximately 6,000 acres total as of 6:00 pm Monday August 12, 2012. Fire personnel also reported that three structures and some outbuildings had been destroyed by the fire.

Shortly after the first fire was reported at the “Y” intersection, the residents of Spring Valley were evacuated from the area by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol. It was reported that as the deputies were evacuating the residents of Spring Valley, the fire was burning on both sides of the road. The deputies working the dayshift were held over and the night shift was called in early to assist.

On August 13, 2012 at approximately 8:00 pm, CAL Fire reported that they were allowing residents back into Spring Valley. CAL Fire also said that Hwy 20 would be open to one way, controlled traffic, due to several hazards such as trees which had fallen across the highway and had not been completely removed and smoke which was causing problems with visibility.

Residents who were displaced by the fire had taken refuge at both the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, which is located at the intersection of Hwy 53 and Hwy 20 in Clearlake Oaks and the Clearlake Senior Center, which is located on Burns Valley Road in Clearlake. The Red Cross is assisting people at the Clearlake Senior Center and has made accommodations for their small pets. If you need assistance from the Red Cross, you are encouraged to call (707) 577-7601.