[UPDATE 11:29 a.m. Forward Progress Stopped] New Fire Erupts in Lake County — Hwy 29 Closed; One Structure Burning

Smoke from Hale Fire [Image from ALERTCalifornia]

A new wildfire in Lake County, called the Hale Fire, has prompted the closure of Highway 29 near its junction with Highway 53 as fire crews work to protect nearby structures. CHP notes that according to “CDF entire area closed due to fire.”

Hale fire burning along Highway 29. [Photo from Caltrans QuickMap]

According to scanner traffic, the blaze was reported to be about a quarter of an acre in size shortly after 10:30 a.m. but had already threatened two structures, with one beginning to catch fire. Firefighters from Cal Fire were dispatched to the scene and requested the closure of the entire area around the highway due to active fire operations.

Copter 612 is overhead. And Tanker 90 is responding as of 10:51 a.m.

As of now, no evacuations have been confirmed, and there are no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and Cal Fire has not released any official containment figures.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

UPDATE 10:53 a.m.: Tanker 90 is now on scene. The first report from the air says 1/2 acre but their report contradicts the early ground report and says that no structures are on fire.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: Forward progress on the fire is now reported as stopped and Tanker 90 is being released from the incident.

UPDATE 11:29 a.m.:  Caltrans says,

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 29 is FULLY CLOSED at Main Street in Lower Lake, Lake County (PM 20.3) due to the #HaleFire. There is no estimated time of reopening.