USA: California: A Geothermal Energy Community is Devastated by Wildfire

Middletown: The community at the epicenter of a raging wildfire (Los Angeles Times)

The local economy is based primarily on agriculture, tourism and the geothermal power industry. The town is about 10 miles east of the Geysers, the largest complex of geothermal power plants in the world.

Before an explosive wildfire torched Middletown this weekend, this quaint hamlet toward the northwestern edge of California’s wine country was perhaps best known as a stop along the way to a clothing-optional spiritual retreat offering yoga and massage workshops.

Home to mainly commuters and retirees, Middletown saw a steady flow of tourists who flocked to nearby Harbin Hot Springs for its hot and cold pools and rustic lodging, including geodesic domes. The resort burned down during the massive Valley fire.

Middletown suffered a devastating blow from the Valley fire. Entire blocks of homes and structures were burned to the ground. Images of the devastation show the town’s main street in flames, along with an apartment complex and part of a school.

The nearby community of Cobb, about nine miles northwest of Middletown, was also hit hard by the Valley fire. Cobb was home to Hoberg's Resort and Spa, a popular mountaintop hotel, that was destroyed by the blaze.

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