Electra Fire explodes in size; evacuations remain in place in 2 Northern California counties
At least 1,225 firefighters are working to extinguish the Electra Fire
Electra Fire in California burning nearly 4K acres, evacuation orders expanded
The Electra Fire near Jackson, California has burned 3,900 acres and is 10% contained.
AMADOR COUNTY, Calif. – Evacuations remain in effect in two Northern California counties as crews rush to contain and extinguish a large wildfire that broke out on Independence Day.
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The Electra Fire is burning to the southeast of Jackson and has more than tripled in size overnight, jumping from 959 acres to 3,034 on Tuesday.
Fire officials said the steep and rugged terrain of the western Sierra Nevada Mountains is making it extremely difficult for fire crews to access the blaze. However, CAL Fire said firefighters are continuing to construct control lines.
Currently, at least 1,225 firefighters are working to control the blaze so it can be put out.
CAL Fire reported at least one first responder had been injured, but no other information has been released.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KEEP IN YOUR EVACUATION 'GO' BAG DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
Several evacuation orders remain in place, and those include:
- Amador County: Mandatory evacuations on all roads south of Butte Mountain Road from South Clinton Road to Amador Lake.
- Calaveras County: North of Highway 26 from Montgomery Drive to Lower Dorray Road
The evacuation point in Amador County is at the Italian Picnic Grounds located at 581 CA-49, Sutter Creek, CA.
The evacuation shelter in Calaveras County is at the San Andreas Town Hall, located at 24 Church Hill Street.
Several roads in the region are also closed while crews work to extinguish the fire:
- Electra Road at Highway 49
- Clinton Road at Butte Mountain Cutoff
- Butte Mountain Road at Butte Mountain Cutoff
- Highway 26 at Buckeye Lane to Ridge Road
Watch: Electra Fire in Northern California burns nearly 4,000 acres
Crews are continuing to work on containing and extinguishing the Electra Fire burning in Northern California.
WHAT TO DO IF A WILDFIRE PROMPTS A POWER OUTAGE
In addition, FOX 40 Sacramento reporter Eytan Wallace said at least 13,000 people in the region are without power at the request of CAL Fire to make sure downed power lines cannot start another fire.
When conditions are dry and windy, a small spark can suddenly turn into a raging wildfire that quickly races across the region. And if you live in an area that is prone to these fires, you may only have moments to minutes to escape the advancing flames.
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Firefighters recommend all those who could ever find themselves in harm's way to have an evacuation "GO" bag at the ready.
Evacuations underway as Electra Fire grows in California's Sierra Nevada
Evacuations are underway as the Electra Fire spreads in California’s Sierra Nevada. The blaze has burned nearly 4,000 acres and 10 percent of the fire is contained as of Wednesday morning. (Video: @huthurdaddy via Storyful)