LOWER LAKE (KRON) – Fire crews are gaining ground on the massive wildfire burning in Lake County known as the Clayton Fire.
As of Thursday morning, the fire is now at 60 percent containment, according to Cal fire officials.
The raging wildfire broke out on Saturday afternoon and has since burned 3,929 acres and 268 structures, including 200 single-family homes, fire officials said in a statement.
The other structures destroyed include 21 mixed use residential structures, 13 commercial structures, 10 multi-family dwellings and 72 other structures such as sheds or small outbuildings.
Fire officials say 316 structures are still threatened by the fire.
Crews are working to fully contain the Clayton Fire by Sunday, according to Lt. Doug Pittman.
Lake County is still recovering from the devastating Valley Fire that ripped through Middleton nearly a year ago.
Authorities arrested Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, of Clearlake on 17 counts of arson Monday. Pashilk is suspected of sparking the blaze that exploded over the weekend. Officials say he is also suspected in several other fires over the past year in Lake County.
Pashilk has been charged with 19 counts arson and being held on a $5 million bail.
Several thousand people fled the blaze, some after ensuring their goats and chickens were safe. No one was reported hurt.
Gov. Jerry Brown has also issued a state of emergency in Lake County due to the Clayton Fire.
Evacuations: Areas within the fire perimeter served by Morgan Valley Road.
Road Closures: Main Street, east of Highway 29 and Highway 53 junction. Lake Street, south of Dam Road.Evacuation Center:
Kelseyville H.S. – 5480 Main St. Kelseyville CA, 95451
Seventh Day Adventist Church – 3500 Hill Rd E. Lakeport CA, 95453
Twin Pines Casino – 22223 Hwy 29 Middletown CA, 95461