Gov. Brown declares state of emergency in Lake County as Pawnee fire burns

In addition to evacuations ordered in the Northern California region affected by the growing Pawnee wildfire, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Monday for Lake County.

“State resources, including employees, provisions and facilities, will be devoted to battling the wildfire, according to the governor’s announcement,” notes Sacramento Bee. “The California Office of Emergency Services will provide assistance to Lake County as needed.”

The windswept blaze—which grew from 450 acres Saturday night to 8,200 acres by Monday morning, according to Cal Fire—has destroyed 22 structures, threatened infrastructure, and caused several power outages.

Firefighters have yet to contain the Pawnee fire as of Monday afternoon.

Lake County residents whose homes are within the area of the evacuation order—which includes the entire Spring Valley community, all roads accessed off of Old Long Valley Road and New Long Valley Road, north of Highway 20—must move to an evacuation center at Lower Lake High School (9430 Lake Street) immediately.

We will continue to update as the story unfolds.

• Evacuations ordered in 8,200 acre Lake County fire [Curbed SF]
• Gov. Brown declares state of emergency in fire-ravaged Lake County [Sacto Bee]
• Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake County Due to Pawnee Fire [Gov. Brown]