STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. — Friday, 7 a.m. update:
Cal Fire has released an update on the fire burning in Stanislaus County, saying the blaze has been 100% contained at just over 500 acres.
Original story:
Cal Fire is trying to extinguish a wildfire that has burned about 225 acres and is about 15% contained.
The wildfire is currently burning near E. Sonora and 28 Mile Roads, which is northeast of Woodward Reservoir.
Cal Fire officials did not estimate when the fire would be contained or issue any evacuation orders as of publication.
The cause of the fire has not been released.
According to Cal Fire, 2020 was one of the most severe fire seasons on record as 9,917 wildfires burned 4.2 million acres. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, and 31 people (civilians and firefighters) were killed.
California also experienced its first "Gigafire" because of the August Complex Fire, burning over 1 million acres by itself. Four of California's top five largest wildfires in state history happened in 2020.
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, 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 know 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.
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