September 11, 2015 at 11 PM: A traffic collision was reported at Hwy 88 and Jackson Valley Road in Ione.
CHP and an ambulance were responding due to major injuries resulting from this collision. Be extra cautious if in that area.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Butte Fire now 65,000 acres--pilot was right!
The Butte Fire has been growing steadily and the most recent numbers are 65,000 acres with only a 5% containment. The fire is running wild without any control now.
They state that only 6 structures have been destroyed, but we aren't sure if that's accurate or not.
It seems that the pilot we quoted at 9:50 AM was right that "...this is setting up to be a Rim!" We don't get to see what they see from the air. Everyone, please be safe out there..
They state that only 6 structures have been destroyed, but we aren't sure if that's accurate or not.
It seems that the pilot we quoted at 9:50 AM was right that "...this is setting up to be a Rim!" We don't get to see what they see from the air. Everyone, please be safe out there..
Angels Camp Evacuations stay in force-- Dogtown Road a " burr"
Apparently the emergency meeting held by the Angels Camp City Council today at 3 PM brought some residents angry that they were being evacuated.
Hwy 49 closed at Hwy 26
September 11, 2015 at 5:30 PM: CHP reports that they have closed Hwy 49 and Hwy 26 in San Andreas.
Hwy 26 is closed all the way to the Amador County line, per Caltrans, due to the Butte Fire.
Hwy 26 is closed all the way to the Amador County line, per Caltrans, due to the Butte Fire.
Overturned car on Hwy 108--Beer bottles everywhere
September 11, 2015 at 5:45 PM: A green car has reportedly overturned on Hwy 108 at Clark Fork Road near the Dardanelles.
Apparently there were beer bottles laying all over the area after the rollover. CHP and an ambulance are responding to the scene.
Apparently there were beer bottles laying all over the area after the rollover. CHP and an ambulance are responding to the scene.
Sheriff: Vallecito School District children
Per the Calaveras County Sheriff, all Vallecito School District children have been taken to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds for safety reasons.
City of Angels Camp emergency meeting
The Angels Camp City Council held an emergency meeting, beginning at 3 PM at the City Hall. There wasn't much notice given.
Mandatory Evacuation: All of San Andreas REscinded!!
Per Cal Fire the Calaveras Sheriff's Office has just issued a mandatory evacuation notice for ALL of San Andreas incorrectly.
You do NOT need to LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY due to the Butte Fire. jMore information will follow.
You do NOT need to LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY due to the Butte Fire. jMore information will follow.
Evacuations on Hwy 4 to Avery
The Calaveras Sheriff's Office has issued another MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER for all east of Hwy 49 up Hwy 4 to Avery and North to Mokelumne Hill. This isn't real clear, but then it says:
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!!
The heat in Ebbetts Pass we are told, feels like a fire is nearby. Is it coming up the Old Gulch again like in 1992?
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!!
The heat in Ebbetts Pass we are told, feels like a fire is nearby. Is it coming up the Old Gulch again like in 1992?
CHP issues Closed Roads Announcement

If you have not yet evacuated from this area EVACUATE NOW! STAY AWAY from the area! This is all a result of the Butte Fire.
Calaveritas Road being evacuated
CHP is assisting with the evacuation of residents on Calaveritas Road, now that the Butte Fire has crossed Mountain Ranch Road headed for Old Gulch.
They are getting some resistance. Some will be in the mobile home park and are often older people, reluctant to leave, with no place to go.
They are getting some resistance. Some will be in the mobile home park and are often older people, reluctant to leave, with no place to go.
Butte Fire crossing Mountain Ranch road again
September 11, 2015 at 11:50 AM: The Butte Fire is crossing Mountain Ranch Road at yet another location.
They are calling for a tanker to make a drop to try and stop it. It is already at Old Gulch and Rocky Road lower.
Crews are told they have to work with what they've got--no additional resources available.
They are calling for a tanker to make a drop to try and stop it. It is already at Old Gulch and Rocky Road lower.
Crews are told they have to work with what they've got--no additional resources available.
Butte Fire keep growing, past 32,000 acres now
We haven't had an update on the size of the Butte Fire since early this morning. Since at that time it was 32,000 acres, we can only imagine now.
We also just heard that many of the fire hydrants have locks on them in the residential areas where they are needed. Can they cut the locks off?
We also just heard that many of the fire hydrants have locks on them in the residential areas where they are needed. Can they cut the locks off?
Fire pushing to Rocky Road and Old Gulch Road
September 11, 2015 at 11:25 AM: We just heard the report that the Butte Fire has crossed Mountain Ranch Road and is pushing to Old Gulch Road and Rocky Road just outside San Andreas.
A couple of crews have been dispatched to that location. There will be more evacuations. Be vigilant.
A couple of crews have been dispatched to that location. There will be more evacuations. Be vigilant.
Columbia Airport Smoked in--Planes moved to Grass Valley
We've had some people say they planes have stopped. The reason we aren't seeing them right now is because they are being sent to the Grass Valley Airport due to the smoked in conditions at Columbia.
In fact, our Cal Fire District has requested double the number of air tankers and helicopters.
In fact, our Cal Fire District has requested double the number of air tankers and helicopters.
Bulldozers sent to White Pines Lake
A concerning message was heard sending a bulldozer to White Pines Lake. We aren't sure if they are just being extra cautious or if they believe the Butte Fire is coming this way.
Another person heard that a bulldozer was being sent to Hathaway Pines, but we can't confirm that one. If you hear anything, let us know.
Another person heard that a bulldozer was being sent to Hathaway Pines, but we can't confirm that one. If you hear anything, let us know.
Calaveras Sheriff: Evacuate Oak Park Estates in San Andreas
September 11, 2015 at 10:55 AM; The Calaveras Sheriff's Office has just issued mandatory evacuation orders for everyone in the Oak Park North to Mountain Ranch Road.
" EVACUATE THIS AREA IMMEDIATELY!!" are their words exactly!
" EVACUATE THIS AREA IMMEDIATELY!!" are their words exactly!
Can see fire from San Domingo Creek area
We were just told that a resident in the San Domingo Creek area can see the fire from his house. For those who aren't familiar, that's not far outside Murphys, in the Sheep Ranch area.
He believes that the bulldozers are drawing wide lines to try and stop it at that point. Hopefully, that's true.
He believes that the bulldozers are drawing wide lines to try and stop it at that point. Hopefully, that's true.
Calaveras Supervisors declare "State of Emergency"
The Calaveras Supervisors called an emergency meeting yesterday and declared Calaveras County in a State of Emergency.
This makes it possible for the county to get state funds and for property owners affected by the Butte Fire to get financial assistance.
This makes it possible for the county to get state funds and for property owners affected by the Butte Fire to get financial assistance.
Angels Camp Farmers Market Cancelled
The regular Friday night Farmers Market in Utica Park in downtown Angels Camp is cancelled.
Smoke has permeated the area, and ash is falling; Angels Camp is especially bad for smoke from the Butte Fire.
Smoke has permeated the area, and ash is falling; Angels Camp is especially bad for smoke from the Butte Fire.
Double all resources immediately request on Butte Fire
A request to double all of the resources now assigned has been sent to headquarters of the Butte Fire. Bulldozers, watertenders, engine units, air tankers, etc.
They are asking for anything they can get to send them to the Butte Fire. "We're not even half way out of here and have quite a ways to go!" Nothing available.
Ponderosa Way and Jesus Maria Way are not passable now. Crews appear to be stuck trying to clear the roads to Hwy 26.
They are asking for anything they can get to send them to the Butte Fire. "We're not even half way out of here and have quite a ways to go!" Nothing available.
Ponderosa Way and Jesus Maria Way are not passable now. Crews appear to be stuck trying to clear the roads to Hwy 26.
PIne Grove Cal Fire unit discovers ammo stock
September 11, 2015 at 10:25 AM: The Cal Fire units covering Pine Grove have asked for help for a dangerous situation on Clinton Bar Road.
An ammunition stock has been discovered there. Amador County Sheriff's Office has been advised.
An ammunition stock has been discovered there. Amador County Sheriff's Office has been advised.
Crews ordered to Hwy 26 and Dorray Road
September 11, 2015 at 10:05 AM: Several crews and engines were just dispatched to Hwy 26 and Dorray Road.
Also, 2 type 1 long line helicopters ordered in addition to 2 more bucket helicopters. They simply do not have enough air support for this fire.
Also, 2 type 1 long line helicopters ordered in addition to 2 more bucket helicopters. They simply do not have enough air support for this fire.
CHP calling for roll call check on all their units

They had dropped their log and are now setting it back up again for safety. CHP units are assisting Cal Fire at all highway closures.
Thank you, CHP!
Mountain Ranch Road closed to Hwy 49 due to Butte Fire
September 11, 2015 at 10:15 AM: Mountain Ranch Road is now closed down to Hwy 49. Also Michel Road is now closed completely.
Are they keeping the government center open? We just heard that some of the firefighters have been on the line for three days without additional assistance or relief.
Are they keeping the government center open? We just heard that some of the firefighters have been on the line for three days without additional assistance or relief.
Another tanker pilot "Look at that fire ridge!"
Another tanker pilot just dumped and then stated "Look at that fire ridge!" while looking down at the Butte Fire from the air.
Warning to Ebbetts Pass, Murphys residents! Butte Fire another Rim Fire??
While it may seem like the Butte Fire is not very close, it IS! In 1992 the Old Gulch Fire came right across the ridge to Murphys and Forest Meadows and Hathaway Pines..
A few moments ago a pilot
A few moments ago a pilot
Can't take evacuated animals to Jackson Rancheria
September 11, 2015: The Jackson Rancheria is taking Butte Fire evacuees at their casino in Jackson, but they have no facilities for pets.
If you have your pet with you, you need to go
If you have your pet with you, you need to go
Tankers and helicopters back on Butte Fire
September 11, 2015 at 9:20 AM: The sound of air tankers and helicopters is again filling the skies above Calaveras County as they begin making another day of runs to try and slow down the Butte Fire.
If you don't handle smoke well, stay out of Angels Camp. The smoke is laying in that basin and it is dark with brown haze. Ebbetts Pass is again free of smoke this morning. It's all up to the wind.
If you don't handle smoke well, stay out of Angels Camp. The smoke is laying in that basin and it is dark with brown haze. Ebbetts Pass is again free of smoke this morning. It's all up to the wind.
Lots of cops headed up Hwy 4
September 11, 2015: We've been told that around 20 Sheriff and CHP cars were seen heading for Ebbetts Pass on Hwy 4 around 8 AM.
Possibly assisting with evacuations on Sheep Ranch Road or road closures due to the Butte Fire.
Possibly assisting with evacuations on Sheep Ranch Road or road closures due to the Butte Fire.
Butte Fire doubles again
September 11, 2015 at 7:30 AM: The Butte Fire has been remapped and is now listed as 32,000 acres.
The fire is only 10% contained and continues to grow without sufficient assistance. More evacuations are taking place in Mountain Ranch and the Sheep Ranch area.
The fire is only 10% contained and continues to grow without sufficient assistance. More evacuations are taking place in Mountain Ranch and the Sheep Ranch area.
Cal Fire holding Mountain Ranch Road, for now
September 11, 2015 at 6 AM: For now, Cal Fire seems to be holding the Butte fire at Mountain Ranch Road.
They are battling constant reports of spot fires in the area, especially on Michel Road. Morning briefings are now being held.
They are battling constant reports of spot fires in the area, especially on Michel Road. Morning briefings are now being held.
Traffic collision in San Andreas
September 11, 2015 at 5:15 AM: A traffic collision has been reported at Gold Strike Road and Hawver Road in San Andreas.
An ambulance and CHP have been dispatched to the scene. Use extra caution in the area.
An ambulance and CHP have been dispatched to the scene. Use extra caution in the area.
Evacuations taking place on Michel Road in San Andreas
September 11, 2015 at 5:10 AM: Evacuations are taking place on Michel Road in San Andreas.
If you have been asked to leave, please don't try and save your home. Cal Fire understands how you feel, but this fire is more than out of anyone's control.
If you have been asked to leave, please don't try and save your home. Cal Fire understands how you feel, but this fire is more than out of anyone's control.
Spot Fire near Calaveras Sheriffs Office--Roadway blocked
September 11, 2015 at 5 AM: A spot fire has been reported on Michel Road near the Calaveras Sheriff's Office in San Andreas.
A road block has been set up on Mountain Ranch Road. The Butte Fire is now very near the roadway. Crews are trying to keep it from crossing Mountain Ranch Road.
A road block has been set up on Mountain Ranch Road. The Butte Fire is now very near the roadway. Crews are trying to keep it from crossing Mountain Ranch Road.
Butte Fire now 5 miles from San Andreas--UPDATE in San Andreas
UPDATE: Butte Fire is now IN San Andreas!
September 11, 2015 at 4:40 AM: We just heard a report
September 11, 2015 at 4:40 AM: We just heard a report
Warning: If you live in Mountain Ranch area of Butte Fire....
UPDATE at 4:35 AM: Per PG&E, all power lines are now de-energized east of Calaveritas Road.
Cal Fire now staging on Mountain Ranch Road--Power being turned off
September 11, 2015 at 4 AM: Cal Fire is now setting up for fire defense on Mountain Ranch Road. The Butte Fire is not there yet, but we heard on the scanner that it is expected within hours.
New spot fire on Murray Creek Road
September 11, 2015 at 3 AM: An engine crew is now onscene at a reported spot fire on Murray Creek Road.
The Butte Fire is throwing sparks
The Butte Fire is throwing sparks
To our readers: Thank all of you for your thoughts and personal fire details
During this unbelievable horror of the Butte Fire that Calaveras County residents, especially in the Mokelumne Hill and now Mountain Ranch area are experiencing, many of us find it difficult to sleep.
We want to thank everyone who has sent us
We want to thank everyone who has sent us
Butte Fire: Additional Evacuation warnings in Mountain Ranch
Due to the magnitude of the Butte Fire and the lack of resources to hold it back, more evacuation warnings have been issued. This was also received at 11:30 PM..
The town of Mountain Ranch
The town of Mountain Ranch
Butte Fire UPDATE: Containment only 10 % per Cal Fire
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