DISASTER California, Calaveras and Amador Counties: Butte Fire Evacuation Details

[Be Well]

May the rains come early.

The methods of FS have to change.

 

[marsh]

http://abc7news.com/news/valley-fire-in-lake-county-explodes-in-size-to-40000-acres/982006/

Gov. Brown declares state of emergency for 40,000-acre Valley Fire

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) --
Governor Brown has declared a state of emergency in Lake and Napa counties due to the effects of the explosive 40,000-acre Valley Fire burning in Lake County. Entire communities have been devastated and thousands have been forced to evacuate.

At least 1,000 homes have been destroyed and hundreds more are being threatened, Cal Fire says.

Cal Fire says that over 1,000 firefighters are battling this blaze but their focus is on evacuating residents.

The communities of Cobb and Middletown are burning so fast that it is challenging firefighters' ability to warn residents of the danger.

You have to go to the website to see the video and photos inside the burning towns.

 

[kittyluvr]

Hi everyone,

My house is still okay. We are still under mandatory evacuation.

Here is the update on the Butte Amador Fire:

Butte Fire Morning Update

65,215 Acres, 4,163 Personnel, 474 Engines, 55 Water Tenders, Homes Lost 86, Outbuildings Lost 51, 79 Fire Crews, 17 Helicopters, 102 Bulldozers.

Arnold, CA...Butte Fire Containment reached 20% overnight. They are starting to make significant progress on dozer lines. Fire behavior remained moderate throughout the night moving North and East. Firefighters continue to fight the fire aggressively but critical fuel moisture levels, steep terrain, and limited fire access continue to provide challenges for firefighters. ***Damage Assessment teams have arrived and started evaluations of damaged and destroyed structures***

Above Is An Unofficial Heat Map Of Fire. The Good News Today Is Heat Is Down Overall. The Second Map & Link Is A More Detailed Map.

Butte Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: September 13, 2015 7:30 am
Date/Time Started: September 9, 2015 2:26 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador - El Dorado Unit
County: Amador & Calaveras Counties
Location: Butte Mountain Road, east of Jackson
Acres Burned - Containment: 65,215 acres - 20% contained
Structures Threatened: 6,400
Structures Destroyed: 86 homes, 51 outbuildings

Evacuations: Mandatory Evacuation Orders:

San Andreas at Pope, West Murray Creek, Lewis, Miller, San Andreas Elementary, Goldstrike, Mountain Ranch East to Windmill, Wimbledon Drive, Forest Hill, and Turner Court. Please leave the area immediately.

(Amador County) Canyon View, Fig Tree Lane, and Ponderosa Way; the Town of Pine Grove to include all areas South of Hwy 88 from West Clinton Road, East to Ranch Drive. Inclusive of the Communities of Ranch House Estates, Pine Acres, Jackson Pines, Pine Grove Ranchettes and Lake Tabeau.

(Calaveras County) Town of Mokelumne Hill, East of Hwy 49 from the Amador/Calaveras County line South to Goldstrike Road. South on Goldstrike Road to the Community of San Andreas. Rural areas East of San Andreas to Mountain Ranch Road. Mountain Ranch Road to Calaveritas Road to Fourth Crossing. Fourth Crossing to Hwy 49. East side of Hwy 49 South to North side of Hwy 4 (Angels Camp). North side of Hwy 4 East to Town of Arnold. All of SR 26 from Mokelumne Hill North to the Amador/Calaveras County line. To include the communities of Glencoe, Westpoint, and Wilseyville. San Andreas at Pope, West Murray Creek, Lewis, Miller, San Andreas Elementary, Goldstrike, Mountain Ranch East to Windmill, Wimbledon Drive, Forest Hill, and Turner Court.

Evacuations Advisory:

(Amador County) Hwy 88 from Ranch Road East to Tiger Creek Road (Red Corral and Buckhorn Areas).

(Calaveras County) Town of Mokelumne Hill, East of Hwy 49 from the Amador/Calaveras County line South to Goldstrike Road. South on Goldstrike Road to the Community of San Andreas. Rural areas East of San Andreas to Mountain Ranch Road. Mountain Ranch Road to Calaveritas Road to Fourth Crossing. Fourth Crossing to Hwy 49. East side of Hwy 49 South to North side of Hwy 4 (Angels Camp). North side of Hwy 4 East to Town of Arnold. All of SR 26 from Mokelumne Hill North to the Amador/Calaveras County line. To include the communities of Glencoe, Westpoint, and Wilseyville. San Andreas at Pope, West Murray Creek, Lewis, Miller, San Andreas Elementary, Goldstrike, Mountain Ranch East to Windmill, Wimbledon Drive, Forest Hill, and Turner Court.

Evacuation Centers:Red Cross: 925-588-6678 Jackson Rancheria Hotel, 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson Jenny Lind Veterans Hall, 189 Pine Street, Valley Springs, CA Good Samaritan Church, 4684 Baldwin Street, Valley Springs Burson Full Gospel Church, 3201 Hwy 12, Burson Glory Bound Fellowship, 3061 Hwy 12, Burson Copperopolis Elementary School, 217 School Street, Copperopolis

Large Animal Pet Shelters: (Calaveras) Calaveras County Fairgrounds (Amador) Amador County Fairgrounds, contact Kelly Reason at 530-503-5233
Cooperating Agencies: BLM, Cal OES, PG&E, Amador County Sheriff, Calaveras County Sheriff, CHP, Amador Fire Protection District, Calaveras PUD, CDCR, Sutter Creek Fire Department, CAL-TRANS, State Parks
Total Fire Personnel: 4,163
Total Fire Engines: 474
Total Fire crews: 79
Total Helicopters: 17
Total Dozers: 102
Total Water Tenders: 55
Long/Lat: -120.70418, 38.32974
Conditions: Fire behavior remained moderate throughout the night moving North and East. Firefighters continue to fight the fire aggressively but critical fuel moisture levels, steep terrain, and limited fire access continue to provide challenges for firefighters. ***Damage Assessment teams have arrived and started evaluations of damaged and destroyed structures***

Road Closures:

(Amador County) Clinton Road at Butte Mountain Road (Both Ends) Butte Mountain Road Cutoff at Clinton Road. Amador Lane at Clinton Road, Electra at SR 49, Ponderosa Road at Tabeaud, Access to Lake Tabeaud is closed; Hwy 88 at W. Clinton Road, Hwy 88 at Irish Town Road, Hwy 88 at Tabeaud Road, Hwy 88 at Aqueduct Circle, Highway 88 at Mount Zion, SR 26 South of Hwy 88.

(Calaveras County) SR 26 from Mokelumne Hill to Ridge Road; Ridge Road closed to Railroad Flat Road; Railroad Flat Road closed to Mountain Ranch Road; Mountain Ranch Road closed to Hwy 49; Michel Road is closed.

If you are interested in making Donations please check out the following link: More Information
Phone Numbers (530) 647-5218 (Fire Information Line)
Phone Numbers (209) 754-5527 (Fire Information Line)

http://www.thepinetree.net/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_id=45521

 

[mzkitty]

9m
Photo: A horse stands on a hill charred by the Valley Fire near Middletown, Calif. - @KristinHanes


16m
Lake County, Calif., Sheriff Brian Martin urges those near the Valley Fire to immediately evacuate when asked to. - @LAKECOUNTYOES

 

[mzkitty]

4m
California emergency services chief says Valley Fire is 'spreading faster than I have seen in my 30 years' - @sacbee_news

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article35108214.html

 

[marsh]

saving their horses any way they can

 

[marsh]

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/4473490-181/updates-lake-countys-valley-fire?gallery=4470892

Updates: Valley Fire 'worst tragedy' in Lake County history

UPDATE 4:18 p.m. SONOMA, NAPA COUNTIES ON ALERT

Emergency officials from Sonoma and Napa counties are ramping up to confront the out-of-control Valley Fire, which has rampaged through southern Lake County and has crossed the line into both neighboring counties. The 1-day-old fire has caused “significant damage” to three Calpine cooling towers in The Geysers geothermal energy complex in Sonoma County and forced evacuations in northern Pope Valley. Sonoma County Fire Chief Al Terrell said no local residents are as yet threatened by the fire, but emergency officials were preparing to use an automated calling system to put more than 80 households in the area on alert to watch for changing conditions. People in those areas would be wise to gather medications, important documents and the like, just in case, Terrell said. “For the most part, we’re trying to be as proactive as we can,” he said.

UPDATE 4 p.m. SONOMA COUNTY AID

Help pouring into Lake County Sunday included dozens of people from various Sonoma County agencies – firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, CHP officers and animal services officers while here in the county, officials have partly opened the office of emergency services due to the fire’s spread into The Geysers area. About 50 Sonoma County firefighters from local agencies are in Lake County and another dozen or so are stationed up near The Geysers to battle flames at the geothermal facility. At least 10 Sonoma County deputies were helping with evacuations and numerous CHP officers from the Rohnert Park office also were in Lake County on the effort, officials from those agencies said. The county’s health services department sent animal control officers to help Lake County counterparts handle a large number of pets and animals displaced by the fire. For information on family or friends in the fire area the Red Cross website “Safe and Well” can help with connections at www.safeandwell.communityos.org. Donations also can be made to ww.redcross.org/donate.

(video at site.)

 

[mzkitty]

49m
The Valley Fire in Lake County, Calif., has grown to 50,000 acres. - @CALFIRE_PIO


THIS IS CRAZY !!




24m
Video: A close-up view of the Valley Fire as motorist leaves Anderson Springs, Ca. - YouTube's mulleFive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lVPB3HI9Wg&feature=youtu.be

 

[mzkitty]

11m
Map: Evacuations, road closures, fire perimeter, help centers due to Valley Fire in Lake County, Calif. - @kron4news

http://kron4.com/2015/09/13/valley-fire-map-evacuations-road-closures-fire-perimeter-help-centers/


3m
Update: More than 180 homes destroyed by 2 Northern California fires - @AP

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/1edb...sands-flee-2-fast-moving-california-wildfires


9m
Official: Several evacuation orders lifted in Amador County, Calif., from the Butte Fire. - @CALFIRE_PIO

https://twitter.com/CALFIRE_PIO/status/643205138463588352/photo/1

 

[Be Well]

Prayer thread up:

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...in-the-path-of-the-fire&p=5773028#post5773028

 

[mzkitty]

3m
Photo: Damage from Valley Fire near Middletown, Calif. - @RealScottRates

 

[Sacajawea]

OK, my friend is headed out to collect her RV after topping off water containers at home. With the Geysers energy plant down, she may lose power - and (fingers crossed) if she doesn't have to evac, she won't. Thanks to you guys, I've been able to send her updates on road closures and such.

 

[mzkitty]

2m
Fire officials: 50,000-acre Valley Fire in Lake County, Calif., at 0% containment; 4 firefighters remain in hospital with burns - @rajmathai, @CalFire
End of alert

 

[mzkitty]

6m
More: Fire officials say 'several hundred' homes consumed by Valley Fire in Lake County, Calif.; no confirmed number
End of alert

 

[Countrymouse]

This is a picture of the condition of our National Forests which is contributing to the Sierra fires. Note the brown part is not soil. It is dead forest killed by over-stocking, drought stress and bug kill.

By over-stocking, I assume you mean all the tree-huggers who would NOT allow ANY logging of any of the trees? And their refusal to allow any controlled-burning of undergrowth, because it might destroy some obscure rat's "habitat"?

So we have dead or disease-ridden trees intermingled with the healthy ones, and far over-growing their space, crowding each other out....


For years we feared this day would come to these areas, if more reasonable heads did not prevail.


It is a pity that they don't make the tree-huggers who were in part the cause of this have to go out and fight the fires---or better still, reimburse those who lost their homes due to their "emotive" approach to FS practice over a "reasoned" one....


Praying.....it's all I can do.......

 

[mzkitty]

2m
Fire officials: 1 person killed, more than 400 structures destroyed in Lake County, Calif., fire - @AP

Sep. 13, 2015 11:31 PM EDT

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. (AP) — The latest on wildfires barreling through drought-wracked California (All times local):

8:30 p.m.

Authorities say a wildfire that overtook several Northern California towns has killed at least one person and destroyed more than 400 homes and businesses.

A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman released the tally Sunday evening as firefighters continue to battle the out-of-control blaze north of San Francisco in Lake County.

Lynn Valentine said officials confirmed one fatality, though she had no immediate information on the deceased.

She said the fire has destroyed 400 homes, two apartment complexes and 10 businesses. Most of the destruction occurred in the communities of Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake, as well as homes along a shuttered highway.

The fire broke out Saturday afternoon and exploded in size within hours. It has burned 78 square miles.

___

7:20 p.m.

Authorities say an air tanker loaded with fire retardant was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after taking off from Fresno's airport when an engine malfunctioned.

Fresno police Lt. Mike Doyle says debris from the fixed-wing Erickson Aero Tanker jet fell and shattered the rear window of a parked car Sunday afternoon. He said the small pieces of metal appear to be part of an engine casing.

No one the ground was hurt and the plane landed safely.

The pilots told Doyle they were fighting the massive Rough Fire east of Fresno. It is the largest wildfire in the state after burning 203 square miles of forest land.

More here:

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d23d...xplosive-california-wildfire-surges-overnight

 

[mzkitty]

43m
Photo: Firefighers in Cobb, Calif., battling the Valley Fire - @DeboraKTVU

 

[LeafyForest]

We are between the two large fires = it is about 50 miles (as the crow flies) from both fires here in Placer County, and we are completely
covered in smoke, couldn't see the sun most of the day, and when we did it was bright red as Sierra Don said. Nearly all the news is
coverage of the fires - and it doesn't sound good, especially now as they are saying it is going to be windy tomorrow.

Prayers for you Kittyluvr, as well as for all those evacuated.

 

[marsh]

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/ne...cle_240227e2-0e12-51be-862f-a9532eb3f188.html

Northern California fire destroys 400 homes, businesses



MIDDLETOWN, Calif. (AP) — Two of California's fastest-burning wildfires in decades overtook several Northern California towns, killing at least one person and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses and sending thousands of residents fleeing highways lined with buildings, guardrails and cars still in flames.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed one fatality in the wildfire north of San Francisco that raced through dry brush and exploded in size within hours. Officials also counted 400 homes, two apartment complexes and 10 businesses destroyed by the flames, department spokeswoman Lynn Valentine said.

Valentine couldn't provide details on the circumstances of the death. A call to the Lake County Sheriff's office has not been returned.

In addition, up to 1,000 structures such as barns, sheds and other outbuildings were burned, said Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant.

The devastation comes after a separate wildfire to the southeast destroyed at least 81 homes.

Residents fled from Middletown, dodging smoldering telephone poles, downed power lines and fallen trees as they drove through billowing smoke.

Whole blocks of houses were burned in parts of the town of more than 1,000 residents that lies about 20 miles north of the famed Napa Valley. On the west side of town, house after house was burned to their foundations, with only charred appliances and twisted metal garage doors still recognizable.

Firefighters on Sunday afternoon could be seen driving around flaming utility poles to put out spot fires. Homeowner Justin Galvin, 33, himself a firefighter, stood alone at his house, poking its shin-high, smoking ruins with a piece of scrap metal.

"This is my home. Or it was," said Galvin, who spent all night fighting another massive fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Valentine said most of the destruction occurred in Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake, as well as numerous homes along a shuttered state highway.

Wind gusts that reached up to 30 miles per hour sent embers raining down on homes and made it hard for firefighters to stop the Lake County blaze from advancing, Berlant said.

Four firefighters who are members of a helicopter crew suffered second-degree burns during the initial attack on the fire Saturday afternoon. They remained hospitalized in stable condition.

The fire continued to burn in all directions, triggering the evacuation of a stretch along Highway 281, including Clear Lake Riviera, a town with about 3,000 residents. It was threatening critical communications infrastructure as well as a power plant, Cal Fire said.

The 78-square-mile fire erupted Saturday afternoon and rapidly chewed through brush and trees parched from several years of drought. Entire towns as well as residents along a 35-mile stretch of State Route 29 were evacuated. Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday declared a state of emergency to free up resources.

Brown had already declared a state of emergency for a separate 102-square-mile wildfire about 70 miles southeast of Sacramento that has destroyed at least 81 homes and turned the grassy, tree-studded Sierra Nevada foothills an eerie white.

Crews increased containment on that blaze to 25 percent.

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, was threatening about 6,400 more buildings.

Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said this summer's fires are the most volatile he has seen in 30 years of emergency response work. The main cause behind the fast-spreading fires is dry conditions from the four-year drought, he said.

"The bushes, the trees have absolutely no moisture in them, and the humidities are so low that we are seeing these 'fire starts' just erupt into conflagrations," Ghilarducci said, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Lake County saw devastation in just the last two months. In late July, a wildfire east of Clear Lake destroyed 43 homes as it spread across 109 square miles. As firefighters drew close to surrounding that blaze, another fire erupted several miles from the community of Lower Lake on Aug. 9 and more than doubled in size overnight.

Residents in the area had to evacuate from their homes two times in as many weeks.

East of Fresno, the largest wildfire in the state continued to march westward and away from the Giant Sequoia trees, fire spokesman Dave Schmitt said. The fire, which was sparked by lightning on July 31, has charred 203 square miles and was 31 percent contained Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service said.

Firefighters have maintained a precautionary line around Grant Grove, an ancient grove of Giant Sequoia trees, and set prescribed burns to keep the flames from overrunning it.

Some fire came through the area but it hasn't done much harm, fire spokesman Frank Mosbacher told the Fresno Bee.

The grove is named for the towering General Grant tree that stands 268 feet tall. There are dozens of Sequoia groves in the Sierra Nevada, and some trees are 3,000 years old.

___

Rodriguez reported from San Francisco. Associated Press photographer Eric Risberg in Middletown contributed to this story.

 

[Melodi]

I couldn't post most of the photos but I left the captions and they can be seen at the original article - updates: friend with the horse says stable is OK for now but they are still on stand by so she did not have to spend the night at the Napa fair grounds. Close friends who evacuated to the bay area may have lost their home, not sure yet and may not know for days (they are at Clear Lake); as the first heads towards Napa I am trying to discover the status of another close friend's second home - it may be no where near but they are planning to retire there, so I hope it stays safe - I have many friends affected by this directly or indirectly - and of course here at TB2K as well.

Valley fire is personal for many firefighters

Six homes on Meadow View Street at Hidden Valley Lake lie in ruin as a result of the Valley fire, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

BY RANDI ROSSMANN

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
September 13, 2015, 9:19PM

Live Tweets from the Valley Fire
Plenty of supplies, but money needed for Valley fire relief
Middletown devastated by Valley fire
One reported dead in Valley fire

As the destructive Valley fire tore through southern Lake County, many firefighters worked to save structures while wondering if their own homes were safe.

Hidden Valley Lake and other Lake County communities are home to many firefighters, dispatchers, paramedics and law enforcement officers who live there and commute to work in Sonoma and Napa counties.

A Sonoma Valley fire engineer assigned to a strike team that spent Saturday night helping to save parts of Middletown is a Cobb Mountain resident. He worked through the night saving homes without knowing the status of his own house, said Sonoma Valley Fire Chief Mark Freeman.
Valley Fire's Devastation


Anderson Springs off Highway 175 was nearly 80 percent destroyed by the Valley fire, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

The Valley fire caused total destruction at an apartment complex with well over 100 units in Middletown, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

As the Valley fire raged Saturday, a driver slid off Highway 29 near Hidden Valley, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

A house, garage and vehicles were destroyed by the Valley fire in Middletown, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

Wheels melted against the intense heat in Middletown from the Valley fire, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

Melted lamps in Middletown, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

A geyser pipeline was damaged by the Valley fire on Sacrates Mine Road in Lake County, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

A statue of a happy dog is what remains of a home in Hidden Valley Lake, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

A subdivision on the east side of Middletown lies in ruin after the Valley Fire swept through the town at Wardlaw and Jefferson streets, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

A deer looks for greenery near a home destroyed by the Valley fire in Hidden Valley Lake, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015
Cooking utensils from a burnt home in Hidden Valley Lake off Stonegate street, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

Six homes on Meadow View Street at Hidden Valley Lake lie in ruin as a result of the Valley fire, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

A destroyed home in Middletown because of the Valley fire on Wardlaw Street,
Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

The Valley fire was relentless in it's march, taking cars and structures down to the ground in Middletown, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015
A home in Cobb destroyed by the Valley fire on Saturday, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

Hoberg's resort in Hobergs was razed by the Valley Fire Saturday afternoon, burning nearly every building on the property, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

A melted sign in Hobergs on Cobb Mountain, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

Anderson Springs off Highway 175 was nearly 80 percent destroyed by the Valley fire, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015

The Valley fire caused total destruction at an apartment complex with well over 100 units in Middletown, Sunday Sept. 13, 2015. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2015
Hide/Show Description | View Thumbnails
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“He was totally focused on his firefighting efforts. He wasn’t distracted,” said Jack Piccinini, a Santa Rosa battalion chief who worked with the engineer. But still, everyone working with Freeman knew he’d want to know what had happened.

“We did find a moment to drive him up there, and he discovered his house had not burned,” Piccinini said.

The status of homes for public safety officers and first responders was a common thread of conversation on the fire line and throughout fire and police stations across the region as word spread that other homes belonging to public safety officers had been lost or saved.

“In Santa Rosa, a handful of folks in all departments live up there, a number in public safety,” said Santa Rosa Fire Battalion Chief Mark Basque.

A Cal Fire firefighter in Middletown lost his home. A Calistoga dispatcher’s home was safe. A Santa Rosa Police Department employee may have lost his, but a Sonoma County CHP officer’s Lake County home had been spared.

“Everybody we talked to” either lived in the area or knew someone who did, said Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman, who also worked the blaze in Middletown. “In one forestry crew, two of them lost their houses. I know deputies who lost their house.”

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @rossmannreport.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/4474831-181/valley-fire-was-personal-for?gallery=4474577

 

[Melodi]

Far too many photos to post, but this article is almost all photos (something the UK Daily Mail does very well despite being the National Enquirer of the UK) posting the link for those interested and a couple of examples
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Brown-declares-state-emergency-wildfire.html

The ridge near Middletown..

A sheep rancher prepares to leave his home of 40 years

Car burns on Highway 29 near Middleton

This one reminds me of the Oakland Hills Firestorm

 

[willowlady]

My long-time best friend lives close by the Butte fire. She was supposed to fly up to visit us on Saturday, but elected to stay close to home in case of evacuation. She says the smoke is terrible and you cannot see more than across the street. I figure she'll be safe, but staying local in case is the best insurance....

 

[Be Well]

Kittluvr, when you get a chance, I hope you can post on here or the prayer thread - we want to know how you and your kitties and house are doing!

Praying for you and yours and all those in the path of these terrible fires. May God have mercy on all.

 

[kittyluvr]

Hi everyone,

My house is still there. The fire expanded to 71,000 acres last night and is slowing moving towards my area on the Northeast side of the fire.

West Point and Wilseyville area is still under mandatory evacuation orders. We are still up at the hotel lodge in Kirkwood, CA. Thankfully this area has only occasionally received a little bit of smoke from the fire.

Update from Calfire:

Butte Fire

Butte Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: September 14, 2015 9:30 am
Date/Time Started: September 9, 2015 2:26 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador - El Dorado Unit
County: Amador & Calaveras Counties
Location: east of Jackson
Acres Burned - Containment: 71,063 acres - 30% contained
Structures Threatened: 6,400
Structures Destroyed: 135 residences, 79 outbuildings, 4 structures damaged
Evacuations: Mandatory Evacuation Orders:

San Andreas at Pope, West Murray Creek, Lewis, Miller, San Andreas Elementary, Goldstrike, Mountain Ranch East to Windmill, Wimbledon Drive, Forest Hill, and Turner Court. Please leave the area immediately.

(Amador County) Canyon View, Fig Tree Lane, and Ponderosa Way; Tabeau Road south of Arrowhead to Amador Road, Ranch Drive and Aqueduct Grove Road.

(Calaveras County) Town of Mokelumne Hill, East of Hwy 49 from the Amador/Calaveras County line South to Goldstrike Road. South on Goldstrike Road to the Community of San Andreas. Rural areas East of San Andreas to Mountain Ranch Road. Mountain Ranch Road to Calaveritas Road to Fourth Crossing. Fourth Crossing to Hwy 49. East side of Hwy 49 South to North side of Hwy 4 (Angels Camp). North side of Hwy 4 East to Town of Arnold. All of SR 26 from Mokelumne Hill, North to the Amador/Calaveras County line. To include the communities of Glencoe, Westpoint, and Wilseyville. San Andreas at Pope, West Murray Creek, Lewis, Miller, San Andreas Elementary, Goldstrike, Mountain Ranch East to Windmill, Wimbledon Drive, Forest Hill, and Turner Court.

Evacuations Advisory:

(Amador County) Hwy 88 from Ranch Road East to Tiger Creek Road (Red Corral and Buckhorn Areas).

(Calaveras County) City of Angels Camp, Hwy 49 South to Hwy 4 South at the city limits of Angels Camp. Town of Arnold, Northwest of Hwy 4 includes sub-divisions of Lakemont, Mill Woods and Meadowmont. Hwy 4 North to Sheep Ranch Road/Blue Lake Springs sub-division, Big Trees State Park, Town of Dorrington, Town of Murphys and Forest Meadows. Town of San Andreas. Poole Station Road, Carroll Kennedy Road, Cement Plant Road, Demearest Mine Road, Oak Valley Road, Gelding Road, Stallion Road, Deer Creek Road, Copello Road.

Evacuation Centers:

Red Cross: 925-588-6678

Jackson Rancheria Hotel, 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson

Jenny Lind Veterans Hall, 189 Pine Street, Valley Springs, CA

Good Samaritan Church, 4684 Baldwin Street, Valley Springs

Burson Full Gospel Church, 3201 Hwy 12, Burson

Glory Bound Fellowship, 3061 Hwy 12, Burson

Copperopolis Elementary School, 217 School Street, Copperopolis

Large Animal Pet Shelters: (Calaveras) Calaveras County Fairgrounds (Amador) Amador County Fairgrounds, contact Kelly Reason at 530-503-5233
Road Closures : (Amador County) Clinton Road at Butte Mountain Road (Both Ends) Butte Mountain Road Cutoff at Clinton Road. Amador Lane at Clint
Cooperating Agencies: BLM, Cal OES, PG&E, Amador County Sheriff, Calaveras County Sheriff, CHP, Amador Fire Protection District, Calaveras PUD, CDCR, Sutter Creek Fire Department, CAL-TRANS, State Parks
Total Fire Personnel: 4,409
Total Fire Engines: 494
Total Fire crews: 79
Total Helicopters: 18
Total Dozers: 117
Total Water Tenders: 58
Long/Lat: -120.70418, 38.32974
Conditions: Fire behavior remained moderate throughout the day moving southeast allowing crews to be more effective in perimeter control. Firefighters continue to fight the fire aggressively but critical fuel moisture levels, steep terrain, and limited fire access continue to provide challenges. ***Damage Assessment teams have arrived and started evaluations of damaged and destroyed structures***

Road Closures:

(Amador County) Clinton Road at Butte Mountain Road (Both Ends) Butte Mountain Road Cutoff at Clinton Road. Amador Lane at Clinton Road, Electra at SR 49, Ponderosa Road at Tabeau, Access to Lake Tabeau is closed; Aqueduct Grove Road at Hwy 88, SR 26 South of Hwy 88.

(Calaveras County) SR 26 from Mokelumne Hill to Ridge Road; Ridge Road closed to Railroad Flat Road; Railroad Flat Road closed to Mountain Ranch Road; Mountain Ranch Road closed to Hwy 49; Michel Road is closed.

RE-POPULATION PHASE I

All residences on East Clinton Road, to Clinton Road

Residences on Irish Town Road and Clinton Road to East Clinton Road

All residences on Mount Zion/Lookout Road area

All residences on Tabeau Road from Hwy 88 to South of Arrowhead

All residences on Clinton Road from Amador Lane/Tabeau Road to East/West Clinton split

For more information on Re-Population visit the following link: Re-Population News Release Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 4pm

RE-POPULATION PHASE II

Additional Evacuations have been lifted and are open to RESIDENTS ONLY: For a list of the applicable roads please visit the attached link

RePopulation News Release Phase II:Re-Population Sunday, September 13 at 9pm

If you are interested in making Donations please check out the following link: More Information
Phone Numbers (530) 647-5218 (Fire Information Line)
Phone Numbers (209) 754-5527 (Fire Information Line)

http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1221

Loosing wi fi in the lobby for a while...

 

[mzkitty]

20m
State officials: 23,000 displaced from 2 massive wildfires in Northern California. - @AP

 

[Laurane]

Pine beetle - got a lot of that in the Rocky Mountains in AB/BC.......they tried pulling some of the dead trees out, but there are just too many. And you have to burn them to get rid of the beetle.......

 

[Melodi]

Folks who have been on the forum a long time, have probably heard me refer to the young couple who got married and then a week later had to run from the Oakland hills firestorm and lost everything? Well they actually had gotten married at Harbin, more than 20 years it is given them nasty flash backs but they are otherwise fine as they don't live in the area anymore.

These pictures are from a San Francisco paper - I have added my own memories as to what the ruins are - a professional architect posted them on the fire face book list and said thankfully while the damage looks horrific (and in many ways it is) it might not be as hard to rebuild as the layperson might think; provided the will and the money can be found to do so; but this is still pretty upsetting - I mean it is upsetting and horrifying for everyone who lost something, this just brings it really home for me; because I spent so many happy hours in this place over the years (even going back a couple of times from Ireland)....

Photos of what is left of Harbin Hotsprings retreat center, my captions are above each photo:

The start of the path from the lodge to the Springs and bathing pools

The Lodge

Below is the Springs/Pool area, which looks a bit less damaged

The camp fire circle

I think this is the kitchen, it had two stories and I see the bread oven

The bridge where I was once reading a book, looked up to find a Mother deer and twin fawns looking into the pages of the book in front of me

I think this was the smaller lodge by the parking lot

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/...aged-by-Valley-Fire-6503417.php#photo-8629127


Harbin Hot Springs ravaged by Valley Fire

By Evan Sernoffsky Updated 10:41 am, Monday, September 14, 2015

11

Harbin Hot Springs, a popular resort in rural Lake County near Middletown, was completely destroyed when the fast-moving Valley Fire ripped through the area. Photo: Picasa, Michael Hardy

Photo: Picasa, Michael Hardy

Many structures were also destroyed in the nearby town of Middletown, Calif..

Here a sign reading,"This is where I belong," is all that's left of a destroyed home in Middletown, Calif., on Sunday, September 13, 2015, the day after a wildfire swept through town destroying homes and forcing mass evuations.
Image 1 of 22

Harbin Hot Springs, a popular resort in rural Lake County near Middletown, was completely destroyed when the fast-moving Valley Fire ripped through the area.

Harbin Hot Springs, a tranquil “clothing optional” health resort with communal soaking pools near Middletown, was a favorite destination for those on a holistic pilgrimage into serene rural California.

But the classic 19th-century springs and New Age holistic healing retreat was leveled Saturday when the fast-moving Valley Fire tore through Lake County.

The devastation at Harbin at first wasn’t immediately known after the 61,000-acre fire ripped through Middletown, Cobb and the rural areas around hot springs late Saturday.

Power poles and wires collapsed along Highway 109 blocking firefighters and reporters from getting into the area northeast of Middletown where the resort once stood.

On Monday morning, though, pictures of the burned out retreat were posted on social media, showing the once charming buildings burned down to stone supports.

Michael Hardy of Posterity Productions posted seven pictures of the destroyed retreat center, showing the charred remnants of the structure. Blackened beams, singed trees, and piles of ash and metal are seen in the stark pictures.

The expansive resort once offered massages, meditation gardens, soaking pools, a restaurant and cafe, spa services, lodging and a market.

“Harbin’s center is maintained and operated by more than 100 residents who share the duties of preserving this land as a healing retreat,” the company said on its website.

After the fire hit, Harbin posted an alert on its website saying, “A wildfire forced evacuation of Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, and neighboring areas on 9/12. All reservations have been canceled indefinitely.”

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky

 

[Bardou]

One of my daughter's coworker's has (had) a ranch in Middletown (Lake County), and it burned to the ground. We have another fire in our area that's about 15 miles from us. Winds are expected to pick up to 30 mph today. Been quite smoky here, low visibility. The copters fly right over our house, these are the big ones, my house rattles when they fly over. Lots of fire trucks on the road. It's chaos in California!

 

[BinWa]

I was just thinking today about all of the long term ramifications of these California fires. Agriculture, livestock, water & businesses/job loss to name a few. I just pray for these people. It's so sad.

 

[night driver]

And some time around the middle of next week there is a hospital scheduled to go out on strike, and I'm supposed to be ready to deploy there the 25th for feeding the replacement workers...

 

[Laurane]

With a State of Emergency called by the governor, can they still go out on strike if there is a chance of people being hospitalised due to injuries from the fire?

 

[kittyluvr]

Just a quick update: The fire has jumped the containment line in the south fork of Mokelumne River canyon. The fire is less than 2 miles from my house and is being pushed directly towards my house by the wind. Just as a reference, the fire was 4 miles from my house night before last.

Also, looters are in our area, too. And the sheriff is NOT responding to calls of looting as they are too busy trying to evacuate the idiots that did not heed the mandatory evacuation orders.

At least we are safe. I am crying for my poor kitties that hid when we were leaving...

 

[Bardou]

And some time around the middle of next week there is a hospital scheduled to go out on strike, and I'm supposed to be ready to deploy there the 25th for feeding the replacement workers...

Where is the hospital? There's hundreds of hospitals and clinics around. So far one death in the Lake county fire. Most injuries are the firefighters. Also, many animals are going to be found dead as people were not able to get their pets and livestock out. There's plenty of pictures of burned up autos. I heard when the Amador fire started people were fighting over gas at the gas pump. I recall in times past when we had fires and floods here, people pitched in and helped each other. I see a major falling down of humanity. Red Cross says it doesn't want goods like blankets, clothing, etc., they want money. They want the money to squirrel away for themselves for future uses - many of which is not in this country. I refuse to give them any money. I can purchase some canned goods to help feed people, but that's about it. I could even loan out my house for 2 weeks as we are leaving for a couple of weeks. However, our house would be cleaned out when we returned. Another reason why people are reluctant to help another person. That's just the way life is, it's every man for himself.

 

[prepgirl44]

Just a quick update: The fire has jumped the containment line in the south fork of Mokelumne River canyon. The fire is less than 2 miles from my house and is being pushed directly towards my house by the wind. Just as a reference, the fire was 4 miles from my house night before last.

Also, looters are in our area, too. And the sheriff is NOT responding to calls of looting as they are too busy trying to evacuate the idiots that did not heed the mandatory evacuation orders.

At least we are safe. I am crying for my poor kitties that hid when we were leaving...

kittyluvr,

Is there, by chance, an animal rescue group in your area? If so, they may be able to go in and get your cats. I know that they are now doing that with the Lake Fire, and soon, will be doing that with the Lumpkin fire (which just exploded and they just issued in mandatory evacuations).

Lots of people had gone to work and left their animals at home and the rescue groups are making efforts to get them out.

Just a thought....

I survived the Humbolt fire in 2008 (evacuated three times in that one) and I do know what you are going through. California is just plain burning. So sad and so scary.

I pray your home and animals stay safe from fire and from looters.

 

[Bardou]

Just a quick update: The fire has jumped the containment line in the south fork of Mokelumne River canyon. The fire is less than 2 miles from my house and is being pushed directly towards my house by the wind. Just as a reference, the fire was 4 miles from my house night before last.

Also, looters are in our area, too. And the sheriff is NOT responding to calls of looting as they are too busy trying to evacuate the idiots that did not heed the mandatory evacuation orders.

At least we are safe. I am crying for my poor kitties that hid when we were leaving...

The wind is picking up here and we're suppose to get a little rain. The weather turned quickly. It's about 72 out and my barometer is calling for rain. That would be a big help for sure, but it's the wind that's the worry. They've called for more bombers here, we're in their flight pattern and I've noticed a pick up in flights. The fire here is only 25% contained. Lake County is west of us. If it gets to Lower Clear Lake, it will be a full blown disaster - 10 times worse than what it is now. Lower Clear Lake is a heavily populated area with lots of high end homes and lots of mobile homes. It will be one big inferno. There's also 3 Indian casinos in the way of the fire if it reaches Lower Lake.

P.S. I'm glad I have a scanner!

 

[Melodi]

Kittyluvr, I am seconding what Prep Girl said, at the very least they sometimes let the rescue organizations in to look for pets AFTER the fire has passed but before the general pubic is allowed in - I know how painful this is (how I would feel if I had to leave any of ours) but you did your best; you tried and that's really all you an do in a situation like this.

Bardu there are reports of at least one hotel near the fire tripling their rates; people on the support group page are trying to confirm this and if confirmed I will post their details for public shaming; they are being cautious but if instead of offering rooms (or even the lobby) to people fleeing the fires they are tripling their rates over night (which I think is also illegal) they need public shaming and it supports your point that people are not reacting with the usual coming together to help each other that I have also seen in disasters I have been in (like the SF Quake of 89, the Oakland Hills Fire, the Flooding in Jackson Mississippi or the blizzards in Denver).

Especially in the Earthquake, complete strangers banded together to form a "safe area" for women and children in the middle with Viet Nam vets guarding the outside from jerks or other threats; most of the time people do respond (at first) to a crises by trying to be helpful and supportive; that can fall apart when help doesn't come (think Katrina) but for it to be happening this early is very scary indeed. I am not a fan of violence but looters should be shot, especially in a situation like this.

 

[Bardou]

Kittyluvr, I am seconding what Prep Girl said, at the very least they sometimes let the rescue organizations in to look for pets AFTER the fire has passed but before the general pubic is allowed in - I know how painful this is (how I would feel if I had to leave any of ours) but you did your best; you tried and that's really all you an do in a situation like this.

Bardu there are reports of at least one hotel near the fire tripling their rates; people on the support group page are trying to confirm this and if confirmed I will post their details for public shaming; they are being cautious but if instead of offering rooms (or even the lobby) to people fleeing the fires they are tripling their rates over night (which I think is also illegal) they need public shaming and it supports your point that people are not reacting with the usual coming together to help each other that I have also seen in disasters I have been in (like the SF Quake of 89, the Oakland Hills Fire, the Flooding in Jackson Mississippi or the blizzards in Denver).

Especially in the Earthquake, complete strangers banded together to form a "safe area" for women and children in the middle with Viet Nam vets guarding the outside from jerks or other threats; most of the time people do respond (at first) to a crises by trying to be helpful and supportive; that can fall apart when help doesn't come (think Katrina) but for it to be happening this early is very scary indeed. I am not a fan of violence but looters should be shot, especially in a situation like this.

You let me know what hotel and I'll make damn sure they suffer the consequences of this. I'll contact every media person I know of, I'll call every talk show in Northern California. I'll stay tuned.

For those interested in the Lumpkin Rd., fire go here:

http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1224

You can probably access the other fires around using the same link. Just heard of another fire on the scanner. Air attack and dozers on order. I'm surrounded!!!!! I have all my papers and things together. We may have to cancel our plans to leave for 2 weeks.

 

[kittyluvr]

Prepgirl, Nobody is allowed in our area, they are trying to get the people who didn't leave out before they turn into crispy critters.

Melodi, we are staying at Kirkwood and they have significantly reduced their rate for us as we are evacuees, a true blessing. The room we are in is only available to the 17th and they said if we still need ia place to stay they would find us another room. So, not all places are trying to gouge those affected. Also, I had heard that the Jackson Rancheria in Pine Grove, an evacuation center now, has not been charging for hotel rooms or camping and are feeding people for free.

 

[Be Well]

Just a quick update: The fire has jumped the containment line in the south fork of Mokelumne River canyon. The fire is less than 2 miles from my house and is being pushed directly towards my house by the wind. Just as a reference, the fire was 4 miles from my house night before last.

Also, looters are in our area, too. And the sheriff is NOT responding to calls of looting as they are too busy trying to evacuate the idiots that did not heed the mandatory evacuation orders.

At least we are safe. I am crying for my poor kitties that hid when we were leaving...

Oh my goodness, kittluvr - I pray that you house and kitties will be safe.

 

[Be Well]

You let me know what hotel and I'll make damn sure they suffer the consequences of this. I'll contact every media person I know of, I'll call every talk show in Northern California. I'll stay tuned.

For those interested in the Lumpkin Rd., fire go here:

http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1224

You can probably access the other fires around using the same link. Just heard of another fire on the scanner. Air attack and dozers on order. I'm surrounded!!!!! I have all my papers and things together. We may have to cancel our plans to leave for 2 weeks.

Bardou, I hope that you and yours remain safe.

What is starting all these fires? If not lightning, then it has to be human caused, either (stupid) accidents or arson.