Stanislaus County Wildfire May Affect Mother Lode

Sonora, CA — Although the 24,000 acre wildfire in Stanislaus County is more than an hour and a half drive from Sonora, Mother Lode residents are being affected by the smoke.

Jerry Martin with the California Air Resources Board says if residents can see the smoke, chances are some particulate matter may be within breathing distance.

Martin says people with respiratory problems should remain indoors due to very fine particles that could be harmful to them.

Fire officials say strong winds and rugged terrain are making it difficult for the more than 1,800 firefighters to get a handle on the fire burning in a remote area straddling the Santa Clara and Stanislaus County lines.

The CDF says eight buildings have been destroyed and some residents in the area have voluntarily evacuated.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh