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- Written by: Lake County News reports
In response to a request from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, a team of 10 Israeli firefighters has deployed to California to assist in battling some of the largest wildfires in the state's history.
Though other countries have supported California – including Australia and New Zealand on the Mendocino Complex fire in 2018 – this is the first time Israelis have been assigned to fight fires in the United States. The deployment is expected for two weeks.
The Israeli crews arrived in Sacramento over the weekend and will be assigned to wildfires burning throughout Northern California.
The SCU Lightning Complex, the second-largest wildfire in state history, has consumed 391,150 acres and is 72-percent contained, while the LNU Lightning Complex, the third-largest, has burned 375,209 acres and is 74-percent contained.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Dr. Gary Pace said his agency received confirmation of the fifth death of an individual with “a COVID-19-related illness” on Tuesday.
“This was the second individual to pass away as a result of a cluster of cases in a local residential facility,” said Pace. “Again, the individual was greater than 65 years old and had chronic medical issues. They had tested positive for COVID-19 last week, and passed away early this morning.”
The county’s fourth COVID-19 death, which occurred on Friday, was in the same residential facility, the county confirmed. However, officials have not disclosed the name of the facility where the outbreak has occurred.
Pace said they are not giving out any additional information to protect the privacy of the person and their family.
He said it has been a trying time for those connected to the residential care facility.
“The public can be reassured staff at the residential care facility are appropriately responding by testing, isolating and quarantining residents and employees, alike, using established protocols,” Pace said.
Pace said the Lake County Public Health Division and the California Department of Public Health continue to provide consultation and every available measure is being taken to limit the probability of spread.
As of Tuesday, Lake County Public Health has reported 346 COVID-19 cases, of which 35 remain active and monitored by health officials and 306 are recovered. Two currently are hospitalized.
“This second tragic death reported in a period of four days again reinforces the need for all Lake County residents to take precautions,” Pace said. “COVID-19 cases do not spontaneously arise in residential care facilities. They are transmitted by people that provide care and services; people that may not have even been aware they had COVID-19. Cases in residential facilities have shaken communities around the United States. We must be vigilant and slow the spread.”
Pace told the Board of Supervisors during its Tuesday meeting that this is a critical time for the Lake County community.
“If we take precautions, we can slow transmission of the virus, protect the vulnerable and allow local businesses to expand services,” Pace said.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Firefighters are at the scene of a wildland fire burning along Highway 20 just east of Clearlake Oaks, with the incident prompting evacuations in the area.
The fire was first dispatched just before 4 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 20 at Catholic Church Road.
The first unit on scene reported that the fire was burning on both sides of the road and running at a high rate of speed up the hill into timber. Wind is reported to be hitting the fire.
Incident command called for the evacuation of Morine Ranch Road just before 4:15 p.m.
Minutes later, incident command asked for Highway 20 to be closed at Sulphur Bank Road and at the Highway 53 intersection.
Dozers are being brought in off of Morine Ranch Road and through the nearby Clearlake Lava quarry, with a task force also responding.
Cal Fire, Lake County Fire and Northshore Fire are being joined by units from the LNU Lightning Complex, with Cal Fire Copter 901 and air attack also on scene, based on radio resources.
Air attack reported that it cannot see long-range spotting on the fire.
Just before 4:30 p.m., incident command asked for law enforcement to be expedited, as they need to evacuate the Highway 20 corridor from Clearlake Lave down to Sulphur Bank Road. A lot of vehicle traffic is building up in that area.
Incident command estimated the fire to be between 10 and 15 acres just after 4:30 p.m.
Radio traffic indicated the helicopter is conducting water drops on the fire.
Just before 6:15 p.m., the sheriff's office reported evacuations were lifted for Morine Ranch Road.
As of 7:10 p.m., the California Highway Patrol said Highway 20 was open to one-way traffic between Sulphur Bank Road and Highway 53.
Additional information will be published as it becomes available.
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Forest officials said three firefighters were involved in a vehicle crash on the Tatham fire within the complex on Monday.
One firefighter died, a second was receiving attention for burns to their hand and arm, while the third firefighter involved received no injuries, forest officials reported.
"This was a tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen firefighter," said Acting Forest Supervisor Sandra Moore. "Right now we are committed to providing support to those involved, while safely continuing firefighting operations.”
Forest Service officials, Federal Southern Area Blue Team Incident Management and Cal Fire Incident Management Team 4 are working to support the families, who have been notified, officials said.
The California Highway Patrol is currently leading the investigation. Forest Service officials said more details will be made available as they are confirmed.
The August Complex, burning since Aug. 17 and caused by thunderstorms, has burned 242,941 acres and is 20-percent contained, officials said Tuesday afternoon.
The Tatham fire, the portion of the complex where the firefighter’s death occurred, is 15,594 acres and burning in southwest Tehama County.
Approximately 690 personnel are assigned to the complex, the Forest Service said.
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