Forward Progress Of Point Fire Burning In Calaveras County Stopped
WEST POINT (CBS13) - The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office is evacuating an area of West Point because of an early morning fire.
Right now, Cal Fire says the Point Fire has burned about 130 acres in timber. It ignited near Highway 26 and Higdon Road in an area heavily impacted by tree mortality.
That's where strong winds knocked down several dead trees - at one point - making it difficult for crews to get to the flames.
A look at the smoky conditions at the #PointFire near West Point in Calaveras County. Hearing at least one home may have been destroyed. pic.twitter.com/LQjyTsh5yE
— Linda Mumma Solorio (@LindaBMumma) October 9, 2017
About 120 customers are also without power.
The fire is threatening homes at this time, but crews don't know if any were damaged or destroyed.
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for Higdon Road, Higdon Spink Road and Spink Road.
#PointFire burning in #TreeMortality area. Lots of dead and dry fuels. Low relative humidity and high winds. pic.twitter.com/8d3iyKSloX
— CALFIRE TCU (@CALFIRETCU) October 9, 2017
Firefighters are asking people to avoid the area.
Evacuation centers are set up at the West Point Community Church and the Pioneer Sierra Baptist Church in Pioneer.
Early Monday afternoon, Cal Fire announced that the forward progress of the flames had been stopped. Containment is up to 10 percent, crews say.