Destruction from Amador County fire grows

Updated 8:20pm

A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for the town of San Andreas because of the Butte Fire.

“Emergency officials are asking the public to adhere to this order and evacuate the area immediately due to rapid and explosive fire conditions,” CalFire officials said in a statement Friday afternoon.

The 64,728-acre fire is burning east of Jackson in Amador and Calaveras counties. Containment has decreased to 5 percent.

“Fire behavior remained extreme throughout the day with rapid, uncontrolled fire growth to the south and east. Unfavorable weather coupled with fuel moistures at critical levels have resulted in explosive fire conditions. Mandatory evacuations continue to expand as the fire continues to grow. Residents are urged to stay vigilant due to current and expected fire conditions,” authorities said.

Six houses and two out buildings have burned in the fire that started the afternoon of Sept. 9. However, 6,400 buildings remain threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Many neighborhoods in the area have been evacuated. Evacuation centers have been set up at the Jackson Rancheria Hotel, San Andreas Hall and Calaveras County Fairgrounds.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report