Evacuees At The Fairgrounds

Sonora, CA — Evacuees from the Rim Fire that checked in is at 58 individuals as of this morning. This Sonora Red Cross evacuation center at the Mother Lode Fair Grounds is the only center currently.

There are several RVs parked at the Fairgrounds as well. As a self-contained home, Red Cross Spokesperson Jordan Scott said that they present a different situation and the Mother Lode Fair Grounds is charging their regular hook up fee to use the facilities.

Red Cross Spokesperson Jordan Scott says, “We are here to give evacuees a place to sleep, get cleaned up, eat and just be comfortable.” He asked that volunteers and donations be coordinated by calling the Red Cross or visiting their website. The shelter has received donations of water, food, toiletries and towels from some area businesses and restaurants.

Many arrived due to the power being turned off to Pine Mountain Lake homes as a precaution.

To prevent 911 from getting too many calls, Tuolumne county has set up a hotline for people that want to call in with questions, at 533-5174.

Advisory Evacuations for the Pine Mountain Lake area began yesterday. A resolution to request Gov. Brown declare a state of emergency for Tuolumne County was approved by the Board of Supervisors yesterday.

Pine Mountain Lake has nearly 3,000 residents. Red Cross Officials at the fairgrounds say they are prepared to handle more evacuees, up to 1,000 and more if needed. For more information on resources for evacuated animals view “Evacuees Arrive At Fairgrounds” here and “How To Assist The American Red Cross” here.

*The Red Cross initially stated that RVs would be charged less but the Mother Lode Fair Grounds is charging full price.