COPPEROPOLIS, Calif. — Find the latest updates on the Aero Fire HERE.
Crews are battling the so-called Aero Fire in Copperopolis Monday afternoon.
The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office said the Aero Fire has burned about 5,000 acres so far. Cal Fire said the blaze is burning at a rapid rate of spread.
The fire is burning in the area of Aero Road and Hunt Road in Copperopolis. Cal Fire said strong winds are hindering the firefight and firefighters' ability to set a containment line. Cal Fire spokesperson Emily Kilgore said those winds have been going around 15 mph with gusts up and over 30 mph.
Kilgore said the fire has been moving quickly to the south down O'byrnes Ferry Road and to the east toward the Tuolumne County line, generally toward Copperopolis.
The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office said evacuation orders are in place.
The fire is also impacting Highway 4. Authorities said it is closed from Rock Creek Road and Pool Station near Aero Road and Hunt Road.
5,000 residents have also lost power amid the fire.
Evacuations
View the evacuation map from Zonehaven and Calaveras County below.
An Evacuation Order was given for the areas of Copper Town Square and Obyrnes Ferry Road to the county line.
Evacuation centers are available at the following locations:
- Valley Springs Veterans Hall (189 Pine Street, Valley Springs) for residents west of the Town Square
- Domestic animals can be taken to the Veterans Hall
- Livestock can be taken to the County Fairgrounds (101 Frogtown Road, Angels Camp)
Evacuation Warnings in Tuolumne County were issued for O'Byrnes Ferry Road from the Tuolumne/Calaveras County line to Highway 108 due to the direction of the fire. However, no evacuation orders have been given.
Fire Perimeter Maps
A map from the National Interagency Fire Center is available below.
WILDFIRE PREPS
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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