CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Firefighters from around the county were called in to respond to a fire that reportedly destroyed two homes in Clearlake late Tuesday night.

The fire was reported at 10:55 p.m. in two residences located behind businesses in the 14400 block of Lakeshore Drive, according to witnesses and radio reports. Initially, radio traffic indicated four structures were involved.

Firefighters arriving at the scene were warned about propane relief valves going off and power lines down.

Lakeshore Drive was closed as firefighters and police worked at the scene.

At one point early in the fire, incident command warned firefighters to take defensive actions only due to the severity of the situation.

Lake County Fire Protection, the lead agency, called in mutual aid from fire agencies around the lake, and asked for ladder trucks. The Office of Emergency Services also responded.

The fire was reported contained at about 12:20 a.m., with incident command estimating several hours would be needed for mop up.

Red Cross also was called to the scene to help with several displaced residents, according to radio traffic.

Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta said just after 1 a.m. that he expected mop up would continue for most of the night.

Sapeta said more details about the fire would be available Wednesday morning.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .