Fire Evacuations Called for Briefly in Area of Highway 53, Ogulin Road and Olympic Drive

Residences and businesses in the area of Highway 53, Ogulin Canyon Road, and Olympic Drive were ordered to evacuate for several hours yesterday as a fast-moving fire progressed. The call was first sent out around 1 pm yesterday. Sheriff’s deputies were investigating reports of someone setting the fire, and contacted witnesses and the suspect. Air resources were sent by Cal Fire and the Lake County Sheriff’s office issued a Nixle alert around a quarter of 2. Shortly after 2 forward progress was reported to have been stopped and around 4 Clearlake Police and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office lifted evacuation orders. The fire was reported to be contained before 5 after consuming just over 17 acres. The person suspected of starting the fire, Angela Smith of Clearlake, was arrested, taken into custody, and booked for unlawful burning of forestland, arson of forestland during a state of emergency, and possession of a controlled substance.