Jerusalem Fire in Lake County grows to 6,000 acres
LOWER LAKE, Calif. (KGO) -- Firefighters are taking on a new fire in Lake County that is close to the Rocky Fire. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the area of Jerusalem Grade Road. The fire began Sunday afternoon and has burned more than 6,000 acres.
PHOTOS: Smoke visible from Jerusalem Fire in Lake County
Tinder-dry brush caused by the drought is giving the flames added fuel. The fire is slowly moving toward the southeast corner of the massive Rocky Fire. 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. A Mandatory evacuation is issued for the Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove.
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.
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.
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS AND ROAD CLOSURES
A Mandatory evacuation is issued for the Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove. Morgan Valley Road is closed east of the intersection of Reiff Road to the Napa County line. Reiff Road is closed south of the intersection of Morgan Valley Road to the Napa County line.
EVACUATION CENTERS
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.
EVACUATION ADVISORIES
Grange Road from Luchetti Ranch Road east to Bucksnort Creek; Butts Canyon Road from Bucksnort Creek east to the Napa County line; Morgan Valley Road from the Reiff Road intersection east to the Napa County line; Reiff Road from the Morgan Valley Road intersection east to the Yolo County line.
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
