Applegate Fire Destroys At Least One 'Nice Old House' In Weimar, 80 Structures Threatened
WEIMAR (CBS13) — Homes were destroyed and memories were lost in a series of fast-moving fires in Placer County, leaving some with just minutes to escape.
The Applegate Fire has burned nearly 400 acres, and is 10 percent contained, while it threatens 80 structures.
Diedra Sample tries to make out what's left of her home that was swallowed by the fast-moving fire.
"You're up here in God's country on top of a hill. It's a shame. That was a nice old house, it had good bones," she said.
That was her life eight hours ago right before her son ran in and told her smoke was heading their way.
"And it was that orange forest fire looking smoke and there was smoke coming up from this direction too. So we threw some things in the car, got our cars out and our dogs," she said.
They left their home knowing there was a good chance it wouldn't be there when they came back.
"We saw fire on two sides of the house when we drove down the driveway to get out," she said.
The Applegate Fire started as five individual fires along Interstate 80, which was shut down along the eastbound lanes forcing a 40-mile detour. One of the lanes reopened, allowing big rig traffic to flow through the area for the first time in five hours.
Part of the reason for the shutdown was an unusual scene where a helicopter landed on a major U.S. interstate to drop off fire crews.
The fires pressed east through dry brush and trees.
"There was smoke, flames in every direction, and over in that direction over there. A tree went up in flames. You could hear the roaring of the fire," said witness Chantel Giarritta.
Air units hit the blaze hard from above where bulldozers crept through the forest to draw fire lines to contain the spread.
Although it wasn't a terribly windy day, crews say there was enough to toss hot embers up that eventually started new fires.
Diera says she isn't sure what her family's next move is, but they're happy they made it out with each other.
"You whole life is there," she said. "What I have now is in the back of my PT Cruiser. Which won't start at the moment. It started when it had to though."
Home Burned By Applegate Fire, 40-Mile Detour For Vehicles On EB I-80
8:40 p.m. UPDATE: One lane of Interstate 80 has reopened, thought all on and off ramps are closed. It's unknown when it will fully reopen. Trucks are able to drive in that lane.
PLACER COUNTY (CBS13/AP) – Cal Fire officials say that firefighters are battling a total of four fires along eastbound Interstate 80.
The fires, which started just before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, are all along the freeway between Colfax and Auburn, near the Applegate area. About 100 acres have been burned so far.
Eastbound Interstate 80 has been closed during the fire fight. Regular vehicles will be required to take a 40-mile detour after exiting at Clipper Gap. Big rigs cannot take eastbound Interstate 80 or the detour. They must take Highway 20.
At least one structure has burned in the fire.
Officer Mike Martis of California Highway Patrol says officers were alerted to the fires at around 1:49 p.m. Wednesday. He says at least two callers reported seeing several car tires burning along the interstate's eastbound shoulder.
Martis says California Highway Patrol officers are enforcing the interstate's closure and diverting drivers.
He says it's unclear when the I-80's eastbound lanes will re-open.
EVACUATION LIST
- Ponderosa Way to State Park boundary
- Bridge Trail Way
- Brushy Ridge
- Hidden Ridge
- Cross Road
- East Ridge
- Easy Lane
- Sun Valley Lane
- Swanson Lane
- Heather Glen Mobile Home Park
- Weaver Hill Lane
- Weaver Hill Rd
- Sundance Place
- Dundee Ct
- Douglas Drive
- Dunvegan Dr
- Heather Glen Drive
- Hotchkiss Dr
- Sinclair Ct
An evacuation center has been set up at the Sierra Vista Community Center at 55 School Street in Colfax, and Veterans Memorial Hall at 24601 Harrison St. in Foresthill.
Traffic along I-80 is backed up and authorities are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible.
More info to come.
