COPPEROPOLIS – A rapidly spreading vegetation fire has burned at least 1,500 acres and forced evacuations in the Copperopolis area of ​​Calaveras County, officials said Monday.
Cal Fire’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit said the fire, named Aero Fire, was in the area of ​​Aero and Hunt roads. Containment was zero percent.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the areas around Copper Town Square and Obyrnes Ferry Road up to the county line.
There were road closures along Highway 4 between Little John and Pool Station roads. In addition, Hunt Road at Milton Road, Salt Springs Valley Road, Felix Road and Rock Creek Road are closed.
CHP San Andreas
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office said about 5,000 people are without power as a result of the fire.
People with small animals can evacuate to the Veterans Hall San Andreas at 156 Saint Charles Street. People with large animals can evacuate to the Frogtown Fairgrounds at 2465 Gunclub Road in Angels Camp.
Cal Fire said it has requested additional resources to help.
No injuries or structural damage were reported.
This is an area affected by a red flag warning issued for Monday. Gusty winds and dry conditions across the region mean a higher fire risk and a chance for flames to spread quickly.
