A Message from Cal-Nevada Disaster Response Coordinator Sonja Edd-Bennett
As you've likely seen, there are several fires happening around the Conference, with at least two forcing evacuations yesterday.
Patterson Fire – Twitter #PattersonFire – started off Patterson Road, south of Placerville, in El Dorado County near Diamond Springs in rural, but populated, area.
- CalFire reports at 7 a.m. Friday 8/16/19 – fire at 35 acres; containment 40%.
- Crews will continue working through the day: Please avoid the area.
- All evacuation orders have been lifted.
Cottage Fire – Twitter #CottageFire – off Dersch Rd and Cottage Hill Dr, northeast of Anderson in Shasta County. The area burning does have homes, but they are spread out and many seem to have good defensible space.
- CalFire reports at 8:59 a.m. Friday 8/16/19 – 156 acres involved; containment 70%.
- Evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted.
Even as I draft this message more fires are being reported, but not yet new evacuations. If that changes I will be sure to be in touch with the District Superintendent for that area.
If you are following these, or any other fires, on Twitter, please look for the most recent information under the hashtag (#) for the event – not the "top" info.
The most reliable sources are typically any of the @CalFire units or the county Sheriff.
This is not our first fire season, so – as you know – these hot temps often bring new fires. And due to the late rain, a late and fierce fire season is expected. I hope the predictions are wrong.
Please be sure to contact me (916-374-1525 or sonjaeb@calnevumc.org)
should there be any concerns in your area, or if I can be of any support. And please pray for our first responders and public leadership.
As a final point: You will notice that both the Patterson and Cottage fires – as well as a couple of others currently burning – are once again in the Great Northern District. We lift up Great Northern District Superintendent Blake Busick in prayer!
[Editor's Note: As of 6:30 p.m. on Friday 8/16/19 there were no evacuation orders for the Gaines Fire, where CalFire is battling a brush fire in Mariposa County that already has consumed 500 acres, with 0% containment. The Gaines Fire is located at Mt. Gaines Rd. and Bear Valley Rd., Bear Valley.]
