Glenhaven Fire Forces Highway 20 To Close Near Clearlake Oaks, Evacuations Ongoing

A fast-moving wildfire, known as the Glenhaven Fire, has led to the closure of Highway 20 and the issuance of evacuation orders near Clear Lake, California. Around 220 acres were burned by 2:10 p.m. on Friday after the fire broke out in the Glenhaven neighborhood, according to Cal Fire. Around 11:45 a.m., a minor fire off Harvey Boulevard started, but it soon spread. It had already devoured fifty acres by 12:45 p.m. Cal Fire firefighters arrived promptly, but the fire’s fast spread caused officials to urge evacuations. Evacuation orders were issued by the Lake County Sheriff's Office for a number of zones, including GLE-E094, GLE-E072, CLO-E098, and CLO-E073. It is advised that residents in these locations vacate right away. For CLO-E057 and CLO-E079, there are further evacuation advisories in force. Residents in these areas are encouraged to make plans to evacuate, especially if they have pets or animals.Cal Fire requested a hard closure of Highway 20 at 12:32 p.m. because of the spreading flames. At 12:56 p.m., the intersection between High Valley Road and the Highway 53 roundabout was closed off. Travelers' predicament is further complicated as a result of the closure's unmanned status due to a shortage of personnel. Evacuees are being advised by authorities to collect important belongings, such as prescriptions, family members, and pets. It is recommended that they protect their houses, switch off appliances, and quickly evacuate the area. There have been noticeable alterations to traffic along Highway 20, as acknowledged by the California Highway Patrol. It is recommended that drivers steer clear of the region and look for other routes. The highway's proximity to the fire and the continuous evacuations are making the situation dangerous for both locals and visitors.The amount of resources being used to combat fires is increasing, including aircraft and ground people. Authorities are attempting to suppress the flames, but circumstances remain uncertain. It is urged that the public keeps track of changes on road closures and evacuation zones. Real-time information on road conditions may be seen on Caltrans QuickMap, and updates on evacuation regions can be found on the Genasys platform. Officials are stressing how crucial it is to stay informed and follow evacuation instructions as the situation evolves. We'll keep you informed when further details become available.