Evacuation orders swept through parts of Calaveras County on Wednesday as the Gann Fire tore uphill through dry grass and brush near New Hogan Lake. The blaze ignited near the intersection of Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road, and Cal Fire officials said it is moving at a moderate to dangerous rate of spread.
The fire has prompted immediate evacuation orders for zones CCU-147, CCU-139, CCU-110 and CCU-109. A separate advisory, zone CCU-130, remains in effect for residents who should be prepared to leave. Under an evacuation order, people must move out of the area at once due to an imminent threat. An advisory, by contrast, asks residents to follow local recommendations and watch for further instructions.
Cal Fire has called in additional firefighting resources to battle the flames. One incident has complicated the effort: a dozer rollover was reported, and personnel are being evaluated for injuries. No further details on their condition were immediately available.
For those displaced, the Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at the Jenny Lind Memorial District, located at 189 Pine Street in Valley Springs, California. Volunteers at the shelter will provide water, meals and emotional support, the organization said.