Butte Fire Day Four: Evacuations Remain

Calaveras County, CA — The Butte Fire burning in Calaveras and Amador Counties has scorched at least 64,700 acres and it is only five percent contained.

2,409 firefighters are assigned to the incident. CAL Fire reports this morning that evacuation orders remain in effect for the town of Mokelumne Hill, rural areas east of San Andreas, the stretch of Highway 4 from Murphys Grade Road to Avery, in Glencoe, West Point and Wilseyville. In Angels Camp, the order is in place feeor Murphys Grade Road, Gardner Lane, Holly Street, Casey Street, Easy Street, Kirby Street, Avey Place, Broglio Court, Country Lane, Elderberry Lane, Dog town Road, Clifton Road and Brunner Hill. In Amador County, the order includes communities like Ranch House Estates, Pine Acres, Jackson Pines, Pine Drove Ranchettes and Lake Tabeau. CAL Fire officials say that if you are unclear if your home is in the evacuation area, it is better to just be on the safe side and leave. There are also areas under a less severe evacuation advisory. This includes the rest of the city of Angels Camp, the town of Arnold, Dorrington, Big Trees State Park, Murphys and San Andreas.

CAL Fire says the topography and terrain is causing notable challenges. Yesterday afternoon Governor Jerry Brown signed off on a state of emergency declaration, clearing the way for additional state resources and aid. The California National Guard is also now engaged. CAL Fire spokesperson Nancy Longmore notes that the Calaveras County Fairgrounds is being transitioned into a base camp, and the evacuation center there is moving to the Valley Springs Veterans Hall. There are also evacuation centers at the San Andreas Town Hall and the Jackson Rancheria Hotel. At this point, evacuated animals are still being housed at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Calaveras County Animal Services in San Andreas is also assisting with pets and animals. The number to call is 209-754-6509.

The Calaveras County Administrator’s Office reports that two Butte Fire town hall meetings are planned for this afternoon. The first will run from 1-3pm at the Calaveras High School Gymnasium, and the second from 4-6pm in the Bret Harte High School multi-purpose room.

The following road closures are in effect, according to CAL Fire:

(Amador County) Clinton Road at Butte Mountain Road (Both Ends) Butte Mountain Road Cutoff at Clinton Road. Amador Lane at Clinton Road, Electra at SR 49, Ponderosa Road at Tabeaud, Access to Lake Tabeaud is closed; Hwy 88 at W. Clinton Road, Hwy 88 at Irish Town Road, Hwy 88 at Tabeaud Road, Hwy 88 at Aqueduct Circle, Highway 88 at Mount Zion, SR 26 South of Hwy 88.

(Calaveras County) SR 26 from Mokelumne Hill to Ridge Road; Ridge Road closed to Railroad Flat Road; Railroad Flat Road closed to Mountain Ranch Road; Mountain Ranch Road closed to Hwy 49; Michel Road is closed.

A special thanks to our community news partners for sending in photos. Pictures can be e-mailed to news@clarkebroadcasting.com.

Click here to read a rundown of yesterday’s fire stories.