Update: Fire Ignites On Jesus Maria Road
Update at 6:25 p.m.: CAL Fire reports that the Maria Fire that began around 2 a.m. near Jesus Maria Road and Hawver Road has grown to 65.4 acres, and the containment remains at 5 percent. All of the current evacuation orders and warnings are still in place. Also, Jesus Maria Road remains closed from Highway 26 to Music Gulch. Fire officials relayed that access to the fire perimeter continues to be difficult. Current resources on scene include 212 personnel, 14 engines, 8 hand crews, 3 water tenders, and 7 dozers. Further details regarding the blaze, including evacuations, can be viewed below.
Update written by BJ Hansen at 11:05 am: The latest size estimate on the Maria Fire near Jesus Maria Road and Hawver Road remains 50 acres with 5% containment. Jesus Maria Road remains closed from Highway 26 to Music Gulch, and the earlier evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
The Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District has issued a smoke advisory to notify the public of the potential for poor air quality conditions due to smoke from the fire. This extended advisory will remain in effect until 10 o’clock this evening and may be further extended depending on conditions. Smoke concentrations will vary across the county and may be severe in multiple locations over several days. Areas in Valley Springs and Copperopolis are experiencing an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 170 this morning, indicating unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
Update at 8:16 am: CAL Fire officials update that the Maria Fire near Jesus Maria Road and Hawver Road is still 50 acres and there is 5% containment.
CAL Fire reports that access to the fire is difficult because of the terrain. Many resources are responding from out of the area to assist. Resources currently at the scene include 14 engines, three water tenders, eight crews, seven dozers, and overhead. Temperatures are expected to be around 102-106 degrees near the fire area, with gusty winds this afternoon.
Click here to view an evacuation map from the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services, with the red area indicating evacuation orders, and the yellow being warnings.
The fire was located during the two o’clock hour this morning.
Updated at 6:27 am: The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reports that there are now some evacuation orders and warnings near the vicinity of the Maria fire located near Jesus Maria Road and Hawver Road.
Click here to view the map provided by the Calaveras Office of Emergency Services that shows evacuation orders in red and warnings in yellow.
Original story posted at 6:11 am: There is a vegetation fire that ignited early this morning along Jesus Maria Road east of Hawver Road in Calaveras County.
Heavy smoke is visible in the area and the blaze is estimated to be 50 acres. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reports that Jesus Maria Road is closed between Highway 26 and Music Gulch. Deputies are in the area working with fire officials. Be prepared for activity and the potential for evacuations in the immediate vicinity.
Click here to view a webcam pointed at the fire.
