Appaloosa Fire Threatens Residential Structures, Reaches 310 Acres in Calaveras County
CALAVERAS COUNTY, CALIF. (CBS13) -- A fire started around 12:50 p.m. in Calaveras County, has spread to 310 acres with 10 percent containment at the time of this writing.
An estimated 7,030 are without power in Calaveras and San Joaquin Counties as a result of the fire, according to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. There is no word on when they will be routed or restored at this point. High voltage lines have been de-energized at the request CAL Fire.
The fire began when a local property owner working on an electrical panel allowed the panel or its wires to cone into contact with water, sparking the initial flame.
The property owner is being charged with reckless causation of a fire and allowing a fire to spread to the land of another. Both charges have been filed with the Calveras County Court.
California Highway Patrol has announced two road closures in the area.
CAL Fire public information officer Lindy Shoff tells CBS13 that the fire is threatening structures and residential developments in the area, but has not yet prompted any evacuations.
The department has dispatched five crews, 12 engines, three air tankers, 2 bulldozers a helicopter and an air attack to the Appaloosa fire at this time.
CBS13 will have further details as they become available.