Thousands of residents in Northern California evacuated their homes due to the wildfires that started on Saturday.
The Pawnee Fire that broke out near the Clearlake Oaks Community in Lake County destroyed 22 structures. Additional 600 structures are vulnerable as the blaze continues to expand due to erratic winds.
As of Monday morning, the wildfire already burned 8,200 acres. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department ordered a mandatory evacuation in the Spring Valley area, home to approximately 3,000 people.
Jonathan Cox, Battalion Chief, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said, “What we’re stressing is that people, when they get the evacuation order, they heed it immediately and get out and stay out until it is safe to return.”
In addition, Cox said, “This is one of four large fires burning in Northern California. It’s a good reminder that fire season is upon us.”
Fire is moving in multiple directions
On the other hand, Paul Lowenthal, assistant fire marshal at the Santa Rosa Fire Department said, “Given the weather and the changes in wind direction, the fire is moving in multiple directions.”
