LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The city of Clearlake on Sunday gave an update on plans for repopulating the Cache fire area.
City Manager Alan Flora said limited access to the evacuated area, zone CLE-E157-A will be provided to residents Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Flora said this will facilitate some repopulation of homes not damaged or destroyed by the fire, including those residents living east of Cache Creek Mobile Home Park on Dam Road.
Absent further developments, the evacuation order for zone CLE-E157-A will be lifted on Monday at 8 a.m., Flora said.
Following the lifting of the evacuation order, Flora said a new emergency directive will go into effect restricting access within certain areas of the footprint of the fire that sustained significant damage. This order will restrict non-resident access to certain parcels and closes certain streets to traffic.
There are many hazardous substances present amongst the burned debris that may constitute a serious risk to health and safety, the city said.
All persons entering the area are encouraged to use extreme caution and those with medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the hazards should avoid the area. Residents surveying damage, particularly within the areas with total structure loss, should wear a particulate mask and gloves and avoid ground disturbances that could make the ash go airborne.
For a return to home checklist and more safety information, visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/.
The city is actively working with county and state partners regarding initial hazardous waste cleanup. Those requested resources are anticipated to become available this week.
Additional information will be provided in the coming days, officials said.
For those residents who will be returning to the Cache Creek Mobile Home Estates, the water system was severely impacted and there is no water service.
A temporary water connection is being established but is not expected to be completed until Tuesday. If you chose to re-populate with the lifting of the evacuation order, plan accordingly for the lack of water in the coming days, officials said.
Showering, restroom facilities, and a limited supply of drinking water are available at the temporary evacuation shelter at the Clearlake Senior Community Center, located at 3245 Bowers Ave. in Clearlake.
While a significant amount of work has been completed with respect to removing burned/dangerous trees, repairing electrical and other utility infrastructure, there is more work that will be completed in the coming days. Please drive with caution and be mindful of the utility workers.
Additionally, there will be a presence of firefighters in the area monitoring for hotspots.
The city of Clearlake and the Lake County Fire Protection District said they appreciate the cooperation and support of the Clearlake community in this trying time. Officials said they will continue to update community members on the recovery status.