BUTTE FIRE THREATENS THOUSANDS OF HOMES, FORCES EVACAUTION OF HISTORIC GOLD RUSH TOWNS

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By Miriam Raftery

September 12, 2015 (Amador and Calaveras County) – An explosive wildfire is threatening some of California’s most historic gold rush towns including Angel’s Camp (famed site of Mark Twain’s  “The Celebrated Tale of the Jumping Frog of Calaveras County) as well as San Andreas, Pine Grove and Mokelumne Hill.  The Butte Fire is currently threatening 6,400 homes and has already burned 85 houses and 51 outbuildings. 

Over 100 square miles – 65,000 acres have been scorched in Amador and Calaveras Counties by the blaze, which is currently 15% contained. For full details and complete evacuation information, visit the Cal Fire Incident page: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1221

Governor Brown declared a state of emergency to help direct more resources to battle the destructive wildfire. 

California Senator Barbara Boxer tweeted Saturday night, “My thoughts are with the brave firefighters working 24-7 to save lives and property threatened by the #ButteFire.”

Sacramento Police posted the photo at the top of our article on Twitter, with this message: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the #ButteFire,stay safe to all the fire/law agencies battling it tonight.”

According to Cal Fire, 3,852 firefighting personnel are currently on scene, along with 452 fire engines, 8 air tankers, 17 helicopters and 94 bull dozers.

After dark, orange flames leaped toward the sky just outside the small towns that trace their roots back to the gold rush in the mid-19th century, more than 160 years ago.  Heavy smoke has grounded firefighting aircraft tonight, leaving ground crews to combat the inferno until the dawn.


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