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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In response to the devastating impacts of the Boyles fire, Sheriff Rob Howe has declared a local emergency.
The fire began on Sunday, Sept. 8, near Boyles and 8th avenues in the city of Clearlake.
While the city of Clearlake bore the brunt of the fire's destruction, including the loss of more than 30 homes and the evacuation of over 4,000 residents, the fire’s effects were felt beyond the city’s borders.
Infrastructure damage resulting from the fire has caused widespread power outages, affecting areas in unincorporated Lake County as well, the sheriff’s office reported.
In support of the city, the county has deployed emergency management resources and personnel, including sheltering, law enforcement, building officials and environmental health services to assist in the response.
Recovery efforts are underway, and the county said it remains committed to working closely with the city, state and other partners to support those in need during this challenging time.
The Lake County Community Foundation established the Lake County Comes Together Emergent Needs Fund to provide swift assistance in response to emergencies such as the Boyles Fire. For information visit https://www.lakeccf.org/.
The Lake Area Rotary Clubs Association Emergency Relief Fund is accepting donations for Boyles fire victims. For information visit https://www.larca5130.org.
Further information for residents is available at https://Ready.LakeCountyCa.gov, including a link to the city’s Boyles fire information and resources and a “Recovery” tab that includes a comprehensive list of recovery resources compiled by the Department of Social Services.
The fire began on Sunday, Sept. 8, near Boyles and 8th avenues in the city of Clearlake.
While the city of Clearlake bore the brunt of the fire's destruction, including the loss of more than 30 homes and the evacuation of over 4,000 residents, the fire’s effects were felt beyond the city’s borders.
Infrastructure damage resulting from the fire has caused widespread power outages, affecting areas in unincorporated Lake County as well, the sheriff’s office reported.
In support of the city, the county has deployed emergency management resources and personnel, including sheltering, law enforcement, building officials and environmental health services to assist in the response.
Recovery efforts are underway, and the county said it remains committed to working closely with the city, state and other partners to support those in need during this challenging time.
The Lake County Community Foundation established the Lake County Comes Together Emergent Needs Fund to provide swift assistance in response to emergencies such as the Boyles Fire. For information visit https://www.lakeccf.org/.
The Lake Area Rotary Clubs Association Emergency Relief Fund is accepting donations for Boyles fire victims. For information visit https://www.larca5130.org.
Further information for residents is available at https://Ready.LakeCountyCa.gov, including a link to the city’s Boyles fire information and resources and a “Recovery” tab that includes a comprehensive list of recovery resources compiled by the Department of Social Services.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Lake County Community Foundation, or LCCF, has established the Lake County Comes Together Emergent Needs Fund to provide swift assistance in response to emergencies such as the Boyles fire.
The fund enables LCCF to act rapidly, ensuring immediate relief reaches those most in need by supporting local nonprofit organizations serving victims and their families.
One hundred percent of donations will stay within Lake County to support local disaster response.
The purpose of the fund is to provide direct assistance to individuals affected by disasters, as well as to support the nonprofits that serve those victims in the aftermath of such events.
Additionally, the fund ensures that donors' contributions are directed to the intended cause, providing peace of mind amidst the rise of fraudulent sites that often appear during disasters or emergencies.
In the event that not all funds are needed for immediate relief efforts, any unused donations will be returned to the general fund to address future emergent needs. This approach ensures that the LCCF is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to future events that impact on our community.
The Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, donations are tax-deductible.
To donate online to the Emergent Needs Fund, please visit https://givebutter.com/lakeccf or mail a check to Lake County Community Foundation at PO Box 414, Middletown, CA 95461. Please note emergent needs fund in the add note/comment section.
The fund enables LCCF to act rapidly, ensuring immediate relief reaches those most in need by supporting local nonprofit organizations serving victims and their families.
One hundred percent of donations will stay within Lake County to support local disaster response.
The purpose of the fund is to provide direct assistance to individuals affected by disasters, as well as to support the nonprofits that serve those victims in the aftermath of such events.
Additionally, the fund ensures that donors' contributions are directed to the intended cause, providing peace of mind amidst the rise of fraudulent sites that often appear during disasters or emergencies.
In the event that not all funds are needed for immediate relief efforts, any unused donations will be returned to the general fund to address future emergent needs. This approach ensures that the LCCF is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to future events that impact on our community.
The Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, donations are tax-deductible.
To donate online to the Emergent Needs Fund, please visit https://givebutter.com/lakeccf or mail a check to Lake County Community Foundation at PO Box 414, Middletown, CA 95461. Please note emergent needs fund in the add note/comment section.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Library will begin its 2024 NEA Big Read programming during this second week of September.
The National Endowment for the Arts, or NEA, Big Read — a partnership with Arts Midwest — broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience.
The Lake County Library is a recipient of an $8,000 grant to host the NEA Big Read countywide with dynamic community reading programs and selected “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak for programming in September and October of 2024.
The 2024 Lake County Big Read programming will begin with its Cookbook Club Book Discussion on Thursday, Sept. 12, at noon at the Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St.
The Big Read will then be at the Lake County Farmers' Finest Market on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Mercantile, 4350 Thomas Drive, Kelseyville, to give away free copies of the book and chat with shoppers about the program.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the Lake County Library will partner with the Lake County Land Trust and Redbud Audubon Society for a “Celebrate Where We Live” guided nature walk from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rodman Preserve, located at 6350 Westlake Road in Lakeport just off the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff.
Adults and families are invited to see the unique aspects of the beautiful Rodman Preserve and Nature Center as well as learn how the Land Trust works to protect the land and habitats that nature and humans depend on.
The guided nature walk begins at 9 a.m. and will be led by Redbud Audubon Society’s naturalist, Donna Mackiewicz. This walk will coincide with Biodiversity Week sponsored by California Academy of Sciences.
To celebrate the diversity at the preserve, Mackiewicz will be recording, with the help of those attending, every type of species seen with the goal of reaching 30 different plants, animals, insects, and trees. Water and light snacks will be provided, or visitors are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy on the shaded porch of our Nature Center.
Along with the 9 a.m. walk, Land Trust volunteers will be available to accompany walking groups to talk about some of the special aspects of “Where We Live.”
NEA Big Read events will continue throughout September and October and includes a diverse schedule of events from book discussions and writing workshops, presentations on Hospice and Behavioral Health Services, an outdoor event with the library, Clear Lake State Park, Museums of Lake County, and California Department of Fish & Wildlife, a virtual author event, and more.
A children’s Little Read will also be offered with four Storytimes at library branches, featuring age-appropriate books with themes relating to the NEA Big Read book.
The public is invited to attend all NEA Big Read events at no cost, and free books are provided at each event and all library branches until supply runs out.
To view the full schedule of events, go to https://www.lakecountybigread.com/. Questions can be directed to the Lake County Library Literacy Program atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-263-7633.
Visit https://www.arts.gov/partnerships/nea-big-read for more information about the NEA Big Read.
Georgina Marie Guardado is the Literacy Program coordinator for the Lake County Library.
The National Endowment for the Arts, or NEA, Big Read — a partnership with Arts Midwest — broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience.
The Lake County Library is a recipient of an $8,000 grant to host the NEA Big Read countywide with dynamic community reading programs and selected “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak for programming in September and October of 2024.
The 2024 Lake County Big Read programming will begin with its Cookbook Club Book Discussion on Thursday, Sept. 12, at noon at the Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St.
The Big Read will then be at the Lake County Farmers' Finest Market on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Mercantile, 4350 Thomas Drive, Kelseyville, to give away free copies of the book and chat with shoppers about the program.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the Lake County Library will partner with the Lake County Land Trust and Redbud Audubon Society for a “Celebrate Where We Live” guided nature walk from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rodman Preserve, located at 6350 Westlake Road in Lakeport just off the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff.
Adults and families are invited to see the unique aspects of the beautiful Rodman Preserve and Nature Center as well as learn how the Land Trust works to protect the land and habitats that nature and humans depend on.
The guided nature walk begins at 9 a.m. and will be led by Redbud Audubon Society’s naturalist, Donna Mackiewicz. This walk will coincide with Biodiversity Week sponsored by California Academy of Sciences.
To celebrate the diversity at the preserve, Mackiewicz will be recording, with the help of those attending, every type of species seen with the goal of reaching 30 different plants, animals, insects, and trees. Water and light snacks will be provided, or visitors are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy on the shaded porch of our Nature Center.
Along with the 9 a.m. walk, Land Trust volunteers will be available to accompany walking groups to talk about some of the special aspects of “Where We Live.”
NEA Big Read events will continue throughout September and October and includes a diverse schedule of events from book discussions and writing workshops, presentations on Hospice and Behavioral Health Services, an outdoor event with the library, Clear Lake State Park, Museums of Lake County, and California Department of Fish & Wildlife, a virtual author event, and more.
A children’s Little Read will also be offered with four Storytimes at library branches, featuring age-appropriate books with themes relating to the NEA Big Read book.
The public is invited to attend all NEA Big Read events at no cost, and free books are provided at each event and all library branches until supply runs out.
To view the full schedule of events, go to https://www.lakecountybigread.com/. Questions can be directed to the Lake County Library Literacy Program at
Visit https://www.arts.gov/partnerships/nea-big-read for more information about the NEA Big Read.
Georgina Marie Guardado is the Literacy Program coordinator for the Lake County Library.
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- Written by: Georgina Marie Guardado
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Firefighters on Tuesday moved closer to fully containing the Boyles fire, which ripped through dozens of Clearlake homes on Sunday.
The Boyles fire, which started at around 2 p.m. Sunday in the area of Boyles Avenue and Dam Road, reached 50% containment as of Tuesday.
Evacuation orders remained active in the immediate fire area while they were lifted for a few areas including Walmart.
Fire officials aim to release and reopen the entire area by this Thursday, according to Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora. He said Tuesday afternoon that there are still some spot fires to work on.
The fire has burned 81 acres, and destroyed 30 homes and 40 vehicles.
No fatalities, injuries or missing people from the fire have been reported by Tuesday afternoon. “Definitely feeling fortunate for that,” said Flora.
More than 4,000 people were evacuated at the height of the event, which had reduced to 2,100 on Tuesday afternoon. The number may drop further Tuesday night after the areas north of 22nd Avenue were changed to “advisory evacuation status,” where properties can be accessed from 40th Avenue.
Flora said 33 people were at the evacuation center at Twin Pine Casino in Middletown on Sunday, 60 on Monday afternoon and down to 10 on Monday night. Flora added that it had been estimated that 10% of the evacuees would use the evacuation shelter.
The Konocti Unified School District said Tuesday evening that Obsidian Middle School, and Blue Heron and Lewis schools all have heavy smoke damage, and so will require full emergency recovery cleaning. Those schools will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday, with an update expected on Thursday about when they will reopen.
Woodland Community College also reported that the Lake County Campus will be closed for the remainder of the week to conduct precautionary cleaning and installation of carbon filters. The college said all activity has been moved online.
A brief walk at the fire-affected zones found remaining structures, vehicles, vegetation and trash bins on streets covered by pink-colored fire retardant.
On some of the affected residential blocks, the fire had destroyed some homes while having leapfrogged others.
The properties where homes have been burned are marked by a piece of red paper signaling presence of hazardous wastes from the fire. Flora said the Department of Toxic Substances Control will assist with household hazardous waste removal — such as batteries, gas cans and bleach — to ensure safety for people to come back.
“There’s a lot of extra work to be done,” said Flora.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Regarding the reason why it spread so rapidly, Flora said, it was the wind.
The Boyles fire is located to the immediate northwest of the Cache fire which began on Aug 18, 2021 and burned more than 80 acres. The Cache fire destroyed 138 structures including 58 homes.
The Cache fire burned to the south, while the Boyles fire burned to the north.
During a community meeting in the City Hall lobby on Tuesday afternoon — which had been planned well ahead of the fire in order to speak to general community issues — Mayor David Claffey answered questions about the situation.
Claffey said the city is focusing on safety. “We need to rally around our neighbors,” Claffey said.
“The community has stepped up and we really appreciate that,” Calffey said.
While reporting at the Boyles fire area on Tuesday afternoon, Lake County News reporters saw about a dozen fire engines and trucks leaving the scene to the Kelseyville direction. Smoke rose from afar as the fire started burning at Harbor Road that had later expanded to and stopped at three acres.
For more information, see the links below.
Clearlake website: Boyles fire info:
https://www.clearlake.ca.us/490/Boyles-Fire-Info-Resources
Learn about the evacuation areas here:
https://protect.genasys.com/
Sign up for Nixle alerts here:
https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/
Email Lingzi Chen at
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- Written by: Lingzi Chen
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan has declared a local health emergency in response to hazardous conditions caused by the Boyles fire, which began in Clearlake on Sunday.
This declaration, made under the California Health and Safety Code, is necessary due to debris that may pose significant public health risks.
The City of Clearlake declared a local emergency on Sunday, and there is an urgent need to assist private property owners in addressing hazardous waste removal.
Officials said immediate actions will focus on removing toxic and flammable debris to prevent further health risks.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors ratified this proclamation on Tuesday as part of an extra item added to the agenda. It must be reaffirmed every 14 days.
Lake County Health Services is coordinating efforts with state and local agencies to promote public health.
Residents are urged to follow health guidelines and cooperate with officials during this emergency.
This declaration, made under the California Health and Safety Code, is necessary due to debris that may pose significant public health risks.
The City of Clearlake declared a local emergency on Sunday, and there is an urgent need to assist private property owners in addressing hazardous waste removal.
Officials said immediate actions will focus on removing toxic and flammable debris to prevent further health risks.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors ratified this proclamation on Tuesday as part of an extra item added to the agenda. It must be reaffirmed every 14 days.
Lake County Health Services is coordinating efforts with state and local agencies to promote public health.
Residents are urged to follow health guidelines and cooperate with officials during this emergency.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — A local assistance center to help community members impacted by the Boyles fire will open next week.
The city of Clearlake, in a joint effort with our local partners and state agencies, including the county of Lake, the Lake County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, or COAD, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will open the center, or LAC, at the Clearlake Youth Center, 4750 Golf Ave.
It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16; Tuesday, Sept. 17; and Wednesday, Sept. 18.
The LAC will be a centralized location where those affected by the fire can find assistance and access services.
Additionally, a dedicated LAC email address has been established atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-994-8201, Extension 100, for questions or referrals.
The city of Clearlake, in a joint effort with our local partners and state agencies, including the county of Lake, the Lake County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, or COAD, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will open the center, or LAC, at the Clearlake Youth Center, 4750 Golf Ave.
It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16; Tuesday, Sept. 17; and Wednesday, Sept. 18.
The LAC will be a centralized location where those affected by the fire can find assistance and access services.
Additionally, a dedicated LAC email address has been established at
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
With multiple fast-growing wildfires impacting communities across California, the state has mobilized a massive air and ground response to contain the wildfires and help keep communities safe.
The 24/7 coordinated response includes thousands of boots on the ground, including firefighters, soldiers, law enforcement and first responders, as well as air assets including 51 helicopters and nine fixed-wing aircraft.
The state and local agencies have deployed the following resources – including CAL FIRE, California National Guard, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) – across multiple wildfires:
• 5,755 total boots on the ground across 162 crews, including firefighters, soldiers and first responders;
• 51 helicopters;
• Nine fixed-wing aircraft, including 7 CAL FIRE aircraft and 2 National Guard C-130 aircraft;
• 520 fire engines;
• 75 dozers;
• 141 water tankers.
“We are working day and night to protect communities up and down the state of California. Our response includes nearly 6,000 boots on the ground, hundreds of engines and water tankers, and the world’s largest aerial firefighting force. Thank you to our brave firefighters, soldiers and first responders for the 24/7 work to keep our communities safe,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Currently, there are 16 active wildfires in California that have burned 613,819 acres. So far this year, 6,045 wildfires have burned more than 900,000 acres. Active wildfire information is available at https://www.fire.ca.gov/.
The 2024 state budget also protected $2.6 billion through 2028 to protect Californians from wildfires by improving forest health through fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects — investments that have been key to this year’s wildfire response.
The 24/7 coordinated response includes thousands of boots on the ground, including firefighters, soldiers, law enforcement and first responders, as well as air assets including 51 helicopters and nine fixed-wing aircraft.
The state and local agencies have deployed the following resources – including CAL FIRE, California National Guard, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) – across multiple wildfires:
• 5,755 total boots on the ground across 162 crews, including firefighters, soldiers and first responders;
• 51 helicopters;
• Nine fixed-wing aircraft, including 7 CAL FIRE aircraft and 2 National Guard C-130 aircraft;
• 520 fire engines;
• 75 dozers;
• 141 water tankers.
“We are working day and night to protect communities up and down the state of California. Our response includes nearly 6,000 boots on the ground, hundreds of engines and water tankers, and the world’s largest aerial firefighting force. Thank you to our brave firefighters, soldiers and first responders for the 24/7 work to keep our communities safe,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Currently, there are 16 active wildfires in California that have burned 613,819 acres. So far this year, 6,045 wildfires have burned more than 900,000 acres. Active wildfire information is available at https://www.fire.ca.gov/.
The 2024 state budget also protected $2.6 billion through 2028 to protect Californians from wildfires by improving forest health through fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects — investments that have been key to this year’s wildfire response.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
