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A fire burning Monday “with a dangerous rate of spread” in dry grass near the Amador and Calaveras county line south of Jackson has prompted evacuation orders in both counties and threatens 100 structures, authorities said.
The Electra Fire is burning in rugged terrain along Electra Road near Highway 49 and is sending a big plume of smoke into the air that can be seen on sky cams across the greater Sacramento area. Power is out for at least 2,600 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers in Amador County.
Cal Fire says the fire has grown to 959 acres, as of 7:20 p.m. That's up from 300 acres at 6:30 p.m. The blaze has been fast-moving since about 3:44 p.m.
According to Cal Fire, one first responder was hospitalized with "minor to moderate injuries" as 104 personnel are battling the fire.
Crews were dispatched to the south fork of the Mokelumne River and have seen the Electra Fire "burning at a dangerous rate of spread up the drainage moving in a southerly direction," Cal Fire said. "Steep and rugged terrain is making access difficult by ground but firefighters are making access. Air resources are dropping retardant in efforts to slow the spread."
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. OCFA’s Intel 12 on the #ElectraFire Amador County. Fire is mapped at 390 acres at 17:06 hours. pic.twitter.com/fVzbCJ0cMA— FIRIS (@FIRIS) July 5, 2022
OCFA’s Intel 12 on the #ElectraFire Amador County. Fire is mapped at 390 acres at 17:06 hours. pic.twitter.com/fVzbCJ0cMA
As crews attack the flames, about 100 people remain stuck at a PG&E station along Electra Road near where the fire broke out, the Amador County Sheriff's Office said. They were at Box Beach enjoying the river and moved to the station for safety.
Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan said there is a lot of dry fuel in the area. But he said this is not a wind-driven fire.
Earlier this year, Finan spoke to Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman, who warned that his county was overdue for a fire after recent close calls.
"It's not a matter of if it's going to happen, it's just when this will happen," Redman had said.
Cal Fire said that "evacuations are in progress." When an evacuation order is issued, that means there is an immediate threat to livelihood. Evacuation is mandatory in that case. When an evacuation warning is issued, that means fire behavior could threaten nearby homes and businesses. During a warning, evacuations aren't mandatory but they are encouraged.
The Jackson Fire Department listed the following areas as being under an evacuation order:
Cal Fire later said evacuations are mandatory on all roads south of Butte Mountain Road from South Clinton Road to Amador Lane.
Just before 7 p.m. Cal Fire said a two-mile radius around Lake Tabeaud is also under an evacuation order.
Where people and animals can seek shelter in Amador County
Cal Fire said evacuations are ordered north of Highway 26 from Montgomery Drive to Lower Dorray Road.
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