JACKSON, California — Find the latest updates on the Electra Fire here.
A wildfire in Amador County is growing with a dangerous rate of spread Monday, fire officials said.
The Jackson Fire Department said they have two pieces of equipment on the so-called Electra Fire south of Jackson at Electra Road and Highway 49. It's 959 acres in size and has been burning in a southerly direction, according to Cal Fire. The Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services said the fire is burning toward Moke Hill, Glencoe, and RR Flat.
One first responder has been injured during the fire and 100 buildings are threatened by the fire, according to Cal Fire.
The Amador County Sheriff's Office said Cal Fire issued an evacuation order for all people in two-mile radius centered around Lake Tabeau. The order includes all portions of Amador Lane, Fig Tree Lane, Ponderosa Way, Clinton Road, and Tabeau Road at Clinton Bar Road that fall within the two-mile radius.
Power is out for more than 13,000 PG&E customers due to the fire. Lines were deenergized to help with firefighter safety and fire suppression.
Neighbors say the fire destroyed property in the area. One man said his friend lost his home to the fire, where he parked his own 1969 Camaro.
“My friend goes and said 'You don’t have a car no more.' He said it’s come to me, wiped down my neighbors house and it’s coming to my house,“ said James Dean.
He said thankfully everyone is safe and only material things were lost. He's praying tonight that everyone makes it out of the fire unscathed.
Evacuations
Amador County:
- Mandatory evacuations on all roads south of Butte Mountain Road from South Clinton Road to Amador Lane.
- All people in two-mile radius centered around Lake Tabeau. The order includes all portions of Amador Lane, Fig Tree Lane, Ponderosa Way, Clinton Road, and Tabeau Road at Clinton Bar Road that fall within the two-mile radius.
Calaveras County:
- North of Highway 26 from Montgomery Drive to Lower Dorray Road.
- Evacuation Zones 103, 104, 358, 352, 350, 340, and 341
- Evacuation WARNING has been issued for the following Evacuation Zones: 353, 354, 342, 343, 328, 329, and 330
The Amador County Sheriff's Office has been updating the Facebook post below with updates as well.
Fire Map
This wildfire map was created using data from NASA, NGA, USGS and FEMA.
Road Closure
- South Clifton Road at Butte Mountain Road
- Electra Road at Highway 49
- Highway 26 at Montgomery Drive
View the Waze map below for traffic updates.
Evacuation Center
Amador County
The Amador County Sheriff's Office said the Italian Picnic Grounds in Sutter Creek will be serving as a shelter. The Red Cross will be there to help people who need it.
Calaveras County
- Evacuation point is at the San Andreas Town Hall
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2021 fire season started earlier than previous years, but also ended earlier, as well. January 2021 saw just under 1,200 acres burned from nearly 300 wildfires. Fires picked up in the summer when the Dixie Fire burned in five Northern California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama. The Dixie Fire started on July 13 and wasn't contained until Oct. 25, burning nearly 1 million acres. It has since become the second-largest wildfire in state history and the largest non-complex fire.
Overall, 2.5 million acres were burned in 2021 from 8,835 wildfires. Over 3,600 structures were destroyed and 3 people were killed.
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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