Update: Cal Fire Works Overnight On Oak Fire
View VideoUpdate 6:50 a.m.: Belleview Elementary school officials report the Big Hill bus run will not be in service this morning. School officials note they will send out an e-mail this afternoon to parents regarding the bus service after school.
Original Post 6 a.m.: Cedar Ridge, CA – Cal Fire ground crews working on fire suppression overnight to lengthen and strengthen the fire lines on the Oak Fire in the Cedar Ridge area, according to Cal Fire. The size remains 100 acres and it is 20 percent contained. Three structures have also burned in the fire. Cal Fire spokesperson Nancy Longmore reports three structures, one, a home, and two out buildings have been destroyed in the fire. She warns, “For anybody that saw how quickly those columns came up, it’s pretty evident that the fire season is still with us. Folks really need to continue clearing defensible space. That includes debris swept off decks near the home and clearing the roof.”
An advisory evacuation notice for some residents near the fire area, in Cedar Ridge, was given yesterday afternoon, according to Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services officials. An evacuation center was set up at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds and is being staffed by officials from the American Red Cross. In addition, the Sierra Outdoor School and the Old Oak Youth Ranch were evacuated soon after the fire began around 1:23 p.m. Tuesday.
Big Hill Road remains closed from Old Oak Ranch Road to just west of Robertson Ranch Road. Anyone that wants to pass through the closure area will need to show ID, or some proof of residence.
Additionally, nearly 27 of the 62 PG&E customers without power since around 3 yesterday afternoon remain without power this morning. Company officials report crews have not been able to get to the damaged equipment to make the needed repairs and there is no estimated time of repair being given.
A special thanks to community news partners Alan Cromer, Galen Gritz, Charity Maness, Maryann Curmi, Karen Jensen, Abi Rogers, Corey Adams, Amy Gladen and James Duff for sending in photos. Pictures can be e-mailed to news@clarkebroadcasting.com
