Update: Winds A Concern For Walker Fire
View VideoUpdate at 11:25am: The latest size estimate of the Walker Fire in Calaveras County remains 1,100 acres, and crews were able to start constructing a containment line overnight.
Providing another update this morning, CAL Fire spokesperson Emily Kilgore says, “We are anticipating some drier conditions with high wind speeds this afternoon. So that will really test the containment line that has been put in and is a concern for firefighters today.”
She also adds, “Overnight, two structures were destroyed, and they were both outbuildings.”
An estimated 50 structures remain threatened near the fire. The blaze has been primarily moving in a southerly direction.
We reported earlier that the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation warnings for all of Circle 20, the area west of Pool Station Road, east of Hunt Road and north of Highway 4.
Residents in those areas should take precautions in the event that the fire grows in size later today.
Kilgore says, “Prepare early, and don’t wait until the last minute.”
Around 415 firefighters are on scene today, including five helicopters, four air tankers, air attack, and a lead plane.
To view a webcam of the fire, click here.
Update at 7:38am: Some containment was gained overnight on the Walker Fire in Calaveras County. CAL Fire spokesperson Lindy Shoff reports this morning that it is 1,100 acres and 10-percent contained.
The fire ignited shortly before 5pm Tuesday in the 12000 block of Walker Trail Road near Hogan Dam Road in the Salt Springs area. Northwinds overnight pushed the fire towards Hunt Road. Evacuation centers are open at the Armory on Main Street in Copperopolis and at the Mt. Oak school off Pool Station Road. 50 structures are threatened and two have been destroyed.
An evacuation warning is place near the fire for all of Circle 20, the area west of Pool Station Road, east of Hunt Road and north of Highway 4. 415 firefighters are assigned to the incident. There are 13 dozers, 10 engines, eight water tenders, five helicopters, four air tankers, air attack, a lead plane. The cause of the fire is under investigation. We’ll pass along more information as it becomes available.
Update at 7:10am: To view a webcam image of the fire this morning, click here.
Original story posted at 6:13am: Valley Springs, CA — Air and ground resources will be very active today working to fight the Walker Fire in Calaveras County near Valley Springs.
The latest size estimate from CAL Fire is 1,000 acres with zero containment. CAL Fire spokesperson Emily Kilgore says the fire broke out after 5 p.m. in the 12000 block of Walker Trail near New Hogan Dam Road and south of New Hogan Lake in the Salt Springs area. The movement has been to the south, and residents should avoid the area.
You can find all kinds of photos and video up on myMotherLode.com. There are no mandatory evacuations at this time, but the Calaveras Office Of Emergency Services has opened temporary evacuation sites, should they become necessary, at the Armory on Main Street in Copperopolis and the Mt. Oak School off Pool Station Road.
There are very few structures in the vicinity of the fire. The Calaveras Office of Emergency Services reports that the general area around it is under an evacuation warning. Click here for more information. The map in the photos shows 13 boxes under an evacuation warning.
We’ll pass along more information when it becomes available.
To view a recap from Tuesday, click here.
