Firefighters Lose Ground On Butte Fire As It Approaches 65,000 Acres
CALAVERAS COUNTY (CBS13) — Firefighters are working to contain a raging wildfire that is thriving in hot, dry conditions.
Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Friday as the Butte Fire grew to nearly 65,000 acres in just 48 hours. At one point, firefighters had contained 20 percent of the fire, but containment now sits as 10 percent.
The fire in Amador and Calaveras counties is prompting mandatory evacuations in both counties where it has destroyed 15 structures. Cal Fire personnel will determine Saturday what types of structures they were, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Daniel Berlant.
It was a scary scene in San Andreas, as the town was under a mandatory evacuation for a good part of the afternoon, until the unpredictable fire burned parallel to the town.
Smoke hovering over her home was a clear signal for Janet Ballou and her family that it was time to pack up.
"We're getting ready to head out; soon as we see flames we're outta here," she said.
From San Andreas east along Mountain Ranch Road, firefighters were stationed, watching a spot fire and protecting homes. The fire already ripped through the area, burning on both sides.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.