AM Update for August 27, 2020
Solano County announces re-population efforts for some neighborhoods affected by the wildfire.
La Borgata Winery & Distillery in Vacaville as it appeared on August 20, 2020. The winery was destroyed by the wildfire, according to freelance journalist Sara Stierch, but the family and their pets made it out safely. (Photo courtesy La Borgata Winery & Distillery)
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services, and the Solano County Department of Resource Management, Public Works division, are working in coordination with CAL FIRE, local fire chiefs, PG&E and the water agency on a phased re-population process to help residents return safely to their property after being evacuated because of the LNU Lighting Complex fire.
The first phase will include residents who live in the areas west of Interstate 80 from Lyon Road to Vaca Valley Road , including Vaca Valley Road. Gates Canyon Road will remain closed.
Residents will need to visit the County’s Re-entry Center, located at the Mission Church, 6391 Leisure Town Road in Vacaville, prior to returning home. A valid form of ID or proof of residency will be required, including a driver’s license, car registration or a utility bill. Anyone who cannot show proof of residency will still be helped, the process may just take a little longer. Residents will also be asked to provide a phone number and address for future contact, as the County will be sending information on programs and services available in support of the recovery effort.
For the safety of all County residents, County employees, CAL FIRE crews and utility workers, due to road damage, falling trees and ongoing utility work, the following roads will remain closed until further notice: Gates Canyon Road, Mix Canyon Road, Blue Ridge Road, Cantelow Road from Pleasants Valley Road to English Hills Road and Pleasants Valley Road from Shale Peak Lane to Quail Canyon Road.
Fast Facts
368,868 acres burned
33 percent contained
2,292 firefighters, 24 crews assigned to fire
1,080 structures destroyed across six counties
More than 240 buildings impacted in Solano County
5 fatalities, 4 injuries confirmed
Public information line: 1-707-967-4207
Information accurate as of Thursday, August 27 at 7 a.m. PDT
Don’t Throw Ash, Debris Away
The Solano County Office of Emergency Services is asking residents to refrain from disposing of wildfire ash and other debris in the trash because local landfills are not equipped to handle the chemicals and other matters found within wildfire remnants. Solano County says it is working with state officials to acquire necessary clearances to accept wildfire ash and debris. (Read more)
Property Tax Relief
Solano County officials have suspended the collection of property taxes in areas affected by the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire, the Daily Republic reported on Wednesday. Tax assessors are already starting to re-assess property values in areas impacted by the wildfire and are offering long-term property tax relief for individuals and businesses whose structures or property were damaged or destroyed by the wildfire. (Read more)
Financial Assistance
Following local, state and federal disaster declarations in connection with the LNU Lightning Complex and other wildfires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has started processing applications for federal disaster financial assistance. Those who wish to apply should visit www.disasterassistance.gov.
Air Quality Alerts
The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District monitors air quality in the Solano County and Yolo County areas. Today’s air quality is forecast to be unhealthy, and an air quality warning remains in place for the region. Yolo-Solano AQMD offers free air quality and Spare the Air alerts delivered by email and/or text message. (Sign up to receive air quality alerts)
Alert Solano
The Solano County Sheriff’s Department is requesting members of the community sign up for Alert Solano, a free service that offers real-time public safety alerts, including evacuation notices, severe weather, road closures/openings and other critical information. These alerts are delivered by phone call, text messages and/or email messages based on your preference. (Sign up here)
More Resources
Updates are posted twice daily on this volunteer-driven Medium post as well as in the Solano County Information Network group on Facebook. You can also follow rolling updates via Twitter on @MatthewKeysLive.
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LNU Solano is not affiliated with Solano County or any public safety agency. During times of crisis, always follow the direction of law enforcement and other public safety officials. Plan ahead for wildfires at www.readyforwildfire.org.