News

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Local and state officials gathered in Lower Lake on Saturday to update the community on the Valley fire response and recovery.

Items discussed included the fire suppression effort, law enforcement efforts, and services and support offered for fire victims.

The full video can be seen above.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – In response to the devastating Valley fire, three leading organizations that represent wineries and vineyard owners in Lake County have announced plans to lead a fundraising drive – #LakeCountyRising – to help those affected by the Valley Fire.

The organizations include Lake County Winegrape Commission, Lake County Winery Association, and Lake County Wine Alliance. 

The Wine Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will manage the collection and distribution of tax-deductible donations to support rebuilding efforts focused on livelihood, housing and community needs. 

For information on how to support this important cause, go to www.facebook.com/LakeCountyRising or follow Twitter hashtag, #LakeCountyRising.

“When tragedies strike, our community comes together,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-5). “This is one of the worst fires in California’s history, but it’s shown the absolute best of Lake County. We face a long and slow road to recovery, but we will get there together with the generous support of groups like the Lake County Winegrape Commission, Lake County Winery Association, and Lake County Wine Alliance. Lake County will rise, and we will reinvigorate this great community that we all love so much.”

“Lake County is a tight-knit rural agricultural community that has been hit hard by recent wildfires,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. “As members of this community, Lake County vintners and winegrowers are deeply saddened by the terrible fires and losses the fires have created for our friends, our neighbors and our employees.”

“We know it will take a massive amount of work, energy and money to restore and renew the lives of those who have been affected,” said Terry Dereniuk, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association. “We are fully committed to supporting efforts to stabilize our community as we move forward to revitalize Lake County.”

“As a partner in this effort, the Lake County Wine Alliance brings a 15-year track record of raising a substantial amount of money and getting it to organizations that will do the most good,” said Bill Groody, Wine Alliance marketing director.

‪#‎LakeCountyRising aims to raise significant funds over the coming weeks and months to help members of the Lake County community cope, adjust, and rebuild after the Valley Fire.

#LakeCountyRising will work with local organizations and government agencies to identify the most pressing community needs.

Individuals and businesses who would like to support this effort can do so by visiting the Lake County Rising page on Facebook and making a donation online. 

Checks can be sent to Lake County Wine Alliance, P.O. Box 530, Kelseyville, CA  95451.

Make checks payable to Lake County Wine Alliance, memo “Lake County Fire Relief Fund.”

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones traveled to Lake County on Friday to visit the devastated burn area of the Valley fire.

Commissioner Jones met with local and state officials to discuss insurance issues affecting residents who have been displaced by the devastating wildfire, and those recovering and rebuilding homes lost in the firestorm.

During his visit, Jones also met with evacuees at the Kelseyville High School evacuation center, and spoke with first responders and volunteers assisting with the recovery effort.

“The Department of Insurance is here to help all residents affected by this devastating fire,” said Jones. “Our team will also be available at the Local Assistance Center that is now open. Consumers are invited to speak to one of our Consumer Services Division representatives for help navigating the claim process.”

During his meeting with local and state officials Jones shared crucial insurance tips for preparing for and recovering from disasters. 

Residents were reminded they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses including housing and food, even if their home is not damaged or destroyed by fire. 

Once the fire is contained and residents begin to move back to their homes, detectives from the Department of Insurance will be on-site to educate them about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to disaster recovery.

“It is important for homeowners to have an opportunity to assess their situation and losses in order to make informed decisions. Public adjusters are prohibited from soliciting business for seven days following the reopening of a declared disaster area. This waiting period gives residents time to talk to their insurance agent before making decisions about hiring public adjusters and contractors,” said Jones.

Fire victims can also call the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (4357) for questions about their insurance and coverage.

Lake County, Calif.  – Calfire reports that additional mandatory evacuation orders are being lifted Monday and that road closures changes are being made.

Mandatory evacuation orders  denying access to the communities of North Loch Lomond, Seigler Springs, and Bonanza Springs will be lifted on Monday, September 21 at 5:00 pm. To support the return of residents to their homes, the following road closures will be  Roads opening effective Monday, September 21 at 5:00 pm:

Seigler Canyon Road at SR-29

Murphy Springs Road at SR-29

Seigler Springs Road, South of Gray Road

Rosa Trail at Salmina Road

SR-175 South at Salmina Road (South)

Harrington Flat Road at Rockys Road

The following road closures will be implemented Monday, September 21 at 5:00 pm:

Big Canyon Road, South of Perini cut-off

SR-175, South of Rockys Road

Harrington Flat Road, North of Sulphur Creek Road

Big Canyon Road at Knowles Lane

SR-175 at Dry Creek

Bottle Rock Road at Sulphur Creek Road

No additional evacuation orders are being lifted at this time.

The cancellation of additional evacuation orders are being evaluated based on a variety of factors, including potential fire behavior, and the re-establishment of crucial infrastructure.

The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures and any evacuation warnings or advisories. If you see electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact PG&E immediately. Trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if still smoking, should be considered hazardous. Please drive slowly as emergency personnel operate in the area. 

As you re-enter your property and evaluate damage, be aware that hazardous conditions may exist, particularly if a residence or out-building has burned. Hazards may include asbestos, heavy metals, by-products of plastic combustion and various other chemicals.

For additional information on returning home after a wildfire, please visit http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/PGE_ReturningHomeAfterAfterAFire_print.pdf

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Highway 29 and some other roads that have been closed due to the Valley fire reopened to the public early Sunday afternoon.

As of noon, authorities reopened Highway 29 and all roads east of it that previously had been closed, according to Cal Fire.

In addition, Cal Fire said all road closures in Sonoma and Napa counties surrounding or adjacent to the Valley fire were lifted.

The fire was at 75,100 acres and 53-percent containment on Sunday morning, according to Cal Fire.

At noon, residents of Hidden Valley Lake, Jerusalem Grade, Grange Road and Butts Canyon Road were allowed to start returning home.

At 2 p.m., Highway 29 at Salmina Road South and Diener Drive at Highway 29 were to reopen, Cal Fire said.

Roads where closures remain in effect are Murphy Springs Road at Highway 29, Big Canyon Road and Knowles Lane, and Highway 175 at Dry Creek, Cal Fire said.

The following is a list of new road closures to go into effect at 2 p.m. Sunday:

– Seigler Canyon at Highway 29;

– Harrington Flat Road at Air Strip;

– Bottle Rock Road at Sulphur Creek Road;

– Seigler Springs Road South of Gray Road;

– Hartmann Road at Highway 29 (private security screening).