Jerusalem Fire in Lake County now 3,000 acres

LOWER LAKE, Calif. (KGO) -- A wildfire burning that started Sunday afternoon in Lake County has exploded to 3,000 acres and has prompted mandatory evacuations. A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection official said the new fire was reported about 3:30 p.m. near the community of Lower Lake.

PHOTOS: Smoke visible from Jerusalem Fire in Lake County

PHOTOS: Smoke visible from Jerusalem Fire in Lake County

A new fire that started new Lower Lake Sunday afternoon has prompted officials to order evacuations for residents along Jerusalem Grade Road east of the Soda Creek Bridge.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office issued a mandatory evacuation order for the Jerusalem Valley area east of Soda Creek. Authorities say Jerusalem Valley Road is closed to all traffic at Spruce Grove Road and fire personnel and emergency vehicles will be working in the area.

The wildfire is being fought aggressively with five air tankers and three helicopters. Some resources from the Rocky Fire have been diverted to this new wildfire.

At 3:45pm, #JerusalemFire was reported as 300 acres. 5 hours later at 8:45pm, it was at 3,000 acres. pic.twitter.com/NBIjAWNhfG
— Matt Keller (@MattKellerABC7) August 10, 2015

Officials say the Jerusalem Fire is burning about seven miles southwest of the Rocky Fire, which has burned nearly 70,000 acres since it started on July 29. Capt. Joe Fletcher says the two could merge.

The Lake County Office of Emergency Services says an evacuation center for both wildfires is available at Middletown High School at 20932 Big Canyon Road, and a temporary shelter for pets and animals has opened at 6885 Old Highway 53 in Clearlake.

Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New #JerusalemFire south of the #RockyFire. pic.twitter.com/GdgzhJsw2C
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) August 10, 2015

Winds stay rather active the next 24 hours near the #JerusalemFire Frequent gusts near 20mph. pic.twitter.com/193nul2kUD
— Drew Tuma (@DrewTumaABC7) August 10, 2015

Cal Fire describes the "Jerusalem Fire" as fast moving. It's already consumed 2000 acres and triggered evacuations. pic.twitter.com/YFSNPTZATA
— Sergio Quintana (@svqjournalist) August 10, 2015

#Map to Temp shelter for pets/animals @ 6885 Old Highway 53, Clearlake, CA (old water park). #JerusalemFire pic.twitter.com/Es0umgtwdn
— Lake County OES (@LAKECOUNTYOES) August 10, 2015

Fast moving #JerusalemFire in Lake County - Evacuations for Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove Rd.
— CAL FIRE PIO Berlant (@CALFIRE_PIO) August 10, 2015

The #JerusalemFire in Lake County has grown to 2,000 acres. Evacuations for Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove Rd.
— CAL FIRE PIO Berlant (@CALFIRE_PIO) August 10, 2015

#JerusalemFire [update] Near Jerusalem Grade Road & Soda Creek in Lower Lake (Lake County) has grown to 2,000 acres. http://t.co/3yMaMbmErL
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 10, 2015

#Evacuation & shelter site for pets & animals is @ old water park in Clearlake. More info to follow! #JerusalemFire
— Lake County OES (@LAKECOUNTYOES) August 10, 2015

#RedCross evacuee shelter remains open: Middletown High School 20932 Big Canyon Road Middletown, CA #JerusalemFire #RockyFire #LakeCountyCA
— Lake County OES (@LAKECOUNTYOES) August 10, 2015

NEW FIRE: Lake County, crews battle Jerusalem Fire prompting evacuations, currently 100 acres http://t.co/9rXOe60P35 pic.twitter.com/q8v76W6waQ
— Drew Tuma (@DrewTumaABC7) August 10, 2015

Firefighters are battling a 100 acre fire off Jerusalem Road, 7 miles northeast of Middleton (Lake County). #JerusalemFire
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 10, 2015

#JerusalemFire is near the #RockyFire but is unrelated. Evacuations along Jerusalem Grade Rd. East of Soda Creek Bridge.
— Matt Keller (@MattKellerABC7) August 10, 2015