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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County officials are taking safety precautions due to the intense heat and dry conditions while monitoring the progress of two Mendocino County fires that began on Friday and within hours scorched hundreds of acres between them.

The Ranch fire began at around noon along Highway 20 near Potter Valley, northwest of Blue Lakes and eight miles northeast of Ukiah, with the River fires burning along Old River Road near Hopland, as Lake County News has reported.

Both were reported to be growing rapidly throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

The California Highway Patrol reported Friday evening that, so far, there are no closures of major highways in the fire areas.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said on its Facebook page late Friday afternoon that the Ranch fire was not at that time threatening any structures, and that Highway 20 remained open but that people should be vigilant, as conditions can change quickly.

On Friday afternoon, Lakeport Fire Chief Doug Hutchison put eyes on the fire from Vista Point in Lakeport.

“I’m concerned,” he told Lake County News a short time later.

He said the River fire at that point appeared to be moving to the southeast, but he noted that locally the winds typically become more westerly in the evening, which could push that fire to the top of Cow Mountain.

At the same time, he was concerned about the growth of the Ranch fire.

“We’re just going to ramp us as best we can here and hope for the best, but it’s going to be a long night,” he said.

On Friday the county of Lake also took a precautionary action it has taken during previous fire seasons and temporarily closed Mt. Konocti County Park, the county’s regional trails and the Highland Springs Recreation Area.

Those areas will remain closed until further notice, the county said.

County officials said Kelseyville Fire Protection District had requested the immediate closure of the two county parks due to the existing high fire danger and because of the already heavy demand on fire resources.

Separately, Lake County Animal Care and Control’s Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection volunteer group was reported to be on standby to assist if needed.

Sheriff Brian Martin said Friday evening that some of his personnel were responding to Mendocino County to embed with that county’s incident command center.

Martin said both fires will impact Lake County.

That impact already was apparent on Friday, with the smoke columns of both fires visible almost immediately. Thick smoke quickly moved into Lake County’s air basin and ash was reported to be falling in some areas.

Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart of Lake County Air Quality Management District issued an advisory for conditions ranging from “moderate” to “unhealthy for everyone.”

He said the district is actively monitoring the smoke impacts, with current particulate levels in Lake County ranging from “unhealthy for sensitive individuals” to “unhealthy” in the Lakeport and west county areas and “moderate” air quality in the eastern portions of the county.

Gearhart said the smoke and haze coming into Lake County was primarily attributable to the Ranch and River fires, with the Carr fire near Redding also contributing. The Carr fire on Friday had killed two people, burned more than 44,000 acres and dozens of homes, with evacuations under way as nearly 5,000 homes remain threatened.

He said the smoke is expected to remain in Lake County through the weekend, though we may see periods of variable air quality as the winds shift through the next few days.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

THIS STORY IS BEING UPDATED.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Firefighters are working two fast-growing wildland fire incidents that began Friday Mendocino County.

The Ranch and the River fires have between them burned hundreds of acres, according to reports from the scene.

The Ranch fire was first reported in an area off Highway 20 near Potter Valley, near a well-known buffalo ranch.

Cal Fire said shortly before 3:15 p.m. that the fire had burned 175 acres with zero containment.

It’s reported to be burning in grass, with aircraft dropping water and retardant to slow its progress.

Cal Fire said 12 engines, three water tenders, two helicopters, four hand crews, five dozers and 192 personnel are assigned.

The River fire also began on Friday in the area of Old River Road near Hopland, officials reported.

Just before 3:30 p.m. aircraft were diverted from the Ranch incident to the River incident.

At about the same time, the River fire was reported to be about 400 acres.

Due to big fires raging around the state – including the Carr fire near Redding – a large amount of air resources have not been available to respond.

New information will be published as soon as it becomes available.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake’s new police chief took his oath of office and received a warm welcome from the community at the Clearlake City Council meeting on Thursday evening.

Chief Andrew White, 33, was sworn in and received his new badge as community members and numerous out-of-area law enforcement officials – from agencies in Benicia, Fairfield and Suisun City, among others – looked on.

The council held its meeting not at its usual location, Clearlake City Hall, but at the Clearlake Senior and Community Center in order to accommodate the large crowd and host a reception afterward.

“Today’s a very exciting day,” said Mayor Bruno Sabatier in opening the 18-minute meeting.

Rather than sitting in front of the room, council members were in the audience. Councilwoman Joyce Overton, who also is the senior center’s director, was absent for the event.

“This is an exciting moment for our city as we move forward,” Sabatier told the crowd.

City Manager Greg Folsom, who attended despite a back injury, noted, “This is an important day both for Andrew and the city of Clearlake.”

Folsom said he is excited to have White on the team. “I think we’re building a really strong team here in Clearlake and we’re getting a lot of things done,” he said, noting White comes with glowing recommendations and a technology background.

Philip White, Andrew White’s father, was on hand for the event, and took the opportunity to praise his son.

“There’s not enough you can say about your kids,” he said.

Philip White, who spent 30 years in public service himself – in the fire service, not police work – said his son decided at an early age that he wanted to be in law enforcement.

He said his old sheriff’s reserve uniform was used by his son for a Halloween costume, but then it remained in his son’s closet, tipping him off to the fact that something was going on. Later, he said his son became a crossing guard, an explorer and a cadet.

“Andrew, I’m really proud of you,” Philip White said, noting his son is a team player and forwarding thinking. He also thanked the city.

Tim Mattos, chief of Suisun City Police, said that when he took over his job three years ago, the first call he made was to Andrew White, to ask him to come and be his commander, that department’s second in command.

“Grab on and get ready for this ride,” Mattos told the city, adding that White is one of the hardest working individuals he’s ever met. “He is dedicated to this job.”

Mattos said that the Suisun City Police Department is proud of White even though they're losing him, explaining that it’s part of his growth.

“The city of Suisun and the police department thank you for everything you have done for us,” Mattos said to White, adding, “I am so honored to call you my peer.”

City Clerk Melissa Swanson called Chief White forward to administer his oath. In it, he pledged to support and defend the US Constitution and that of the state of California, against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Afterward, he shook Swanson’s hand and signed the oath document before his wife, Charlotte, came up to pin on his new badge.

White thanked the many people who helped him arrive as the city’s new police chief, including family, his past three chiefs of police – all of them in the room – along with former coworkers and friends, local officials who were on hand to welcome him, including Sheriff Brian Martin and Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta, and the council and city staff.

“Being appointed the chief of police for the city of Clearlake is an absolute honor and privilege,” he said, adding that he recognized it’s a significant responsibility.

He told the council and staff, “You have my commitment to lead with honesty and integrity, ensuring we are responsive to our community, and work with other city departments and community partners to fulfill our strategic plan.”

White asked for the community’s patience as he becomes immersed in how the department works and learns how it interacts with city residents. He committed to ensuring his staff offers the highest quality policing services in a fair and impartial manner in order to continue making Clearlake a safer community.

To the police staff, White committed to provide clear direction, to be fair, to hold them accountable and also to be accountable to them, to challenge them to continually improve and develop, and to provide strong support.

“It is with great respect and pride that I now wear the badge and patch of the Clearlake Police Department,” White said.

White recognized Lt. Tim Celli, who over the last two and a half years had served both as acting and interim chief, and who has made White’s transition into the chief’s job smooth.

In closing the meeting, Sabatier said, “Chief White, welcome to the team.”

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The work of the greatest playwright will once again light up Library Park this weekend when the third annual Shakespeare at the Lake presents “As You Like It.”

The play will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29.

This year's play is brought to the community by Mendocino College and the Lake County Theatre Co., in cooperation with the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the city of Lakeport.

Putting on a production of this size is, without a doubt, a group effort. Aside from the 20 actors, all of whom are enrolled in a performance class at the college, there are dozens of behind the scenes players who help make the dream of an outdoor Shakespearean experience a reality.

Producers, directors, set designers, scene painters, costumers, lighting and sound operators, stage managers, publicity coordinators, and security guards (to watch over the set and tech equipment overnight in the park) all play an important role in the production.

The cast and crew have worked tirelessly for the past few months and they are excited to present the play to a live audience.

The first two years of the project were crowd-pleasing sensations. Audiences in the hundreds flocked to the idyllic setting in Library Park to enjoy “A Midsummer Night's Dream” in 2016 and “Much Ado About Nothing” in 2017.

Thanks to its success during the first two years, Shakespeare at the Lake, under the direction of Mendocino College theater instructor John Tomlinson, earned the award for “Best New Idea” at the 2017 Stars of Lake County.

Unlike the more traditional presentations of the past two years, this year's play will break away from the Renaissance era and embrace a much later rebirth: the 1960s.

Peace-loving, forest-dwelling hippies will tell the story of corrupt royalty, banishment, mistaken identity and, of course, plenty of love to go around. You may even hear some of your favorite groovy 60s tunes throughout the production.

Concessions, including hot dogs and bratwurst, fresh salads, cookies, and local beer and wines, will be for sale before and during the performance. Don't forget to bring a chair.

For more details about the production visit www.lctc.us.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Animal Control has a selection of neat dogs waiting to go to new homes.

The available dogs are Arthur, Bebe, Bianca, Dingo, Jeff, Max, Neptune and Red Girl.

To meet the animals, call Clearlake Animal Control at 707-994-8201 and speak to Marcia at Extension 103 Monday through Thursday, or leave a message at any other time.

Arthur

Arthur is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix.

He weighs 55 pounds, is healthy and young.

He likes to swim and play fetch, is affectionate and intelligent, and likes older children.

BeBe

Bebe is 2 years old and weighs 40 pounds, with a short brindle coat.

Shelter staff said she is good with other dogs, and with both adults and children, but has not been tested with cats.

They said she is gentle and shy. She displayed friendly social cues and with more socializing she will gain confidence. BeBe would benefit from training as she is eager to please.

Bebe also loves to push her face into you for rubs.

Bianca

“Bianca” is a female American Pit Bull and shepherd mix.

She is healthy, weighs 50 pounds, is obedient, playful and affectionate, and likes toys.

She is intelligent, but also goofy and wants to please.

‘Dingo’

“Dingo” is described by shelter staff as a happy, friendly boy who is a true people dog.

He is 2 years old, weighs about 45 pounds, and is good with both adults and children.

Dingo likes to be by your side, has nice manners and sits for treats like a true gentleman. He also loves to play ball and probably Frisbee, too.

Shelter staff said he is great with other nice dogs, but has low confidence and prefers people. He will benefit from more socialization.

‘Jeff’

“Jeff” is a male border collie mix.

He has a short tricolor coat.

‘Max’

“Max” is a 2-year-old male kelpie-pit bull mix who weighs about 50 pounds.

Shelter staff said has a lot of energy and would make a great exercise partner.

Max is good with other dogs and loves to play. He’s also good with older children. He’s not been tested with children.

Staff said he is very social and will benefit from obedience training to work on his manners.

‘Neptune’

“Neptune” is 2 years old and weighs 65 pounds. He has been neutered.

Shelter staff said he is good with other dogs and children, but has not been tested with cats.

He has a mellow disposition, loves to play fetch and tug-o-war. Shelter staff said he is a “super friendly guy” who needs some leash work.

Neptune is vaccinated and ready for adoption or can go to rescue.

‘Red Girl’

“Red Girl is a Dutch Shepherd.

She has a short brindle coat.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday issued new disaster declarations in response to three destructive fires burning around the state.

The governor’s proclamations covered the Carr fire in Shasta County, the Ferguson fire in Mariposa County and the Cranston fire in Riverside County.

All of the incidents have burned structures and caused evacuations, and on Thursday Cal Fire confirmed that a dozer operator was killed while fighting the Carr fire near Redding.

The Ferguson fire was 44,223 acres and 27-percent contained on Thursday night, while the Cranston fire was at 7,500 acres and 5 percent containment, Cal Fire said.

The Carr fire, caused by a vehicle, reached 28,763 acres and 6-percent containment on Thursday night. Cal Fire said it has so far destroyed 15 structures and damaged five more, with nearly 500 more structures were in its path at that time.

Officials through the night were widening the evacuation area, with four evacuation centers – one as far away as Corning – opening up as residents fled, causing Interstate 5 to slow to a crawl. The entire community of French Gulch is under evacuation order.

Cal Fire said the fire became very active throughout the day on Thursday, as firefighters worked aggressively to build containment lines around it.

Those efforts were hampered on Thursday due to extreme fire behavior and unfavorable weather conditions, and Cal Fire said hot and dry weather is forecast to continue.

The Lake County Air Quality Management District said Thursday that the smoke making its way into the local air basin came primarily from the Carr fire, as Lake County News has reported.

In other fire news, in Hopland in Mendocino County, firefighters responded to the eight-acre McNab fire, in the area of Valley View Road and McNab Ranch Road.

By Thursday night, the fire was 20-percent contained, with no structures damaged or threatened, Cal Fire said.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

072618 Carr fire map by LakeCoNews on Scribd