Fire destroys Auburn homes, businesses
Containment expected Tuesday
A 275-acre blaze that destroyed about 60 structures including homes and businesses in Auburn prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency in Placer County Sunday night. The fire, which was about 50 percent contained as of Sunday night, started at about 2:40 p.m. Sunday on Highway 49 and Rock Creek Road near Auburn and burned multiple homes to the ground and forced Auburn area residents from more than 200 homes to evacuate their neighborhoods. Andy Fisher, Placer County public information officer, confirmed that the county was informed late Sunday night that the governor had declared the Auburn area a state of emergency. He said the declaration could mean a potential reimbursement of costs but did not have further information as of press time. The cause remains under investigation, according to Cal Fire information online. Fire officials reported that they struggled to contain the fire against south winds. “The winds were a problem,” said Capt. Bob Eicholtz with Cal Fire. “This was a different wind driven fire. Normally our biggest enemy is the north wind, but it was a south wind today.” Full containment is expected by 6 p.m. Tuesday. Evacuations were ordered for residents in the areas of Highway 49 east to Quartz Road, Highway 49 north to Saddle Court, Dry Creek to Black Oak roads, Florence Lane to Stanley Drive, Locksley Lane, Moss Rock Drive and Shadow Rock Drive. Residents evacuated from Saddleback on Virginia Road were allowed back in their homes late Sunday night, according to Anita Yoder, Placer County spokeswoman. “We had the entire Saddleback area evacuated,” Eicholtz said. “Around 7 p.m. they were allowed to go back, however, several will remain at the evacuation center throughout the night.” Two evacuation centers were set up in Auburn: one at Rock Creek school and the other at Auburn Elementary. Volunteers at the Rock Creek center stood at the door and barred the media from entering a public school gym. Volunteers said as an evacuation center they were closing it off to protect the confidently of their clients, many of whom had lost their homes. Paul Realini, a senior volunteer with the American Red Cross, said they are working with Placer County officials and the Salvation Army to provide help for those forced from their homes or those who lost homes. Realini said people coming into the center were being asked to register and then provided food and drink. “We will be taking care of folks who were evacuated or who lost their home,” Realini said. While it was unknown as of press time whether or not the Red Cross would set up overnight shelters, schools were scheduled to remain open Monday, according to Michele Schuetz, Auburn Union School District superintendent. “We realize a lot of our families were impacted,” Schuetz said Sunday night from Auburn Elementary School. “We think for so many of our children that school is going to be their stable place so tomorrow they will be open.” At about 11 p.m. Sunday, Red Cross and county officials worked to open an overnight shelter for evacuees at Calvary Chapel and Church on 202 Dairy Road in Auburn, Yoder said. An animal evacuation center was also open at the DeWitt Center in Auburn. Yoder said numerous animals were brought in, some with burnt feet. Yoder said county staff took those animals to local veterinarians for treatment. American Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteers as well as Placer County Sheriff’s community chaplains were on hand to assist those who were forced out of their homes. As of Sunday night, multiple structures remained threatened and others had been damaged or destroyed. About 450 fire personnel assisted including 50 engines, 10 fire crews, eight air tankers, six helicopters and three dozers. Emergency crews closed off Highway 49 between Bell and Dry Creek roads as crews fought back flames that approached the roadway. Penne Usher contributed to this report. Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com. --------- Fire facts The following is a list of facts regarding the 49er Fire that started at about 2:40 p.m. Sunday on Highway 49 and Rock Creek Road near Auburn. The below information was available as of Sunday night before press time. The cause remains under investigation. Acres burned: 275 Containment: 50 percent Homes burned: Unofficial reported estimate about 30. Businesses were also destroyed. Number of homes evacuated: More than 200 Evacuation centers: Rock Creek School and Auburn Elementary School. Over night shelter at Calvary Chapel in Auburn Road closure: Highway 49 between Bell and Dry Creek roads was closed Total fire personnel: 450 Engines: 50 Fire crews: 10 Air tankers: 8 Helicopters: 6 Dozers: 3 ---------- Residents seeking more information about the fire can call Cal Fire’s hotline at (530) 823-4083 ----------
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I saw a comment earlier that said they saw the engines show up and they were standing there like they didn't have any water. I personnally would be outraged if I lost my home when the fire could have been stopped sooner. I went by the fire station on Auburn Folsom and there were engines there but no one was there to answer the door. Is all my tax money being spent on this streetscape and not fire and police? Why is this not being addressed?
stump...you are fanny the fires of innuendo and accusations. Look at the stats above. It started at 2:40 p.m on Sunday... calm down.
I personally get disgusted with the media trying to interview people that have lost everything. Leave them alone so they can assess their situation, grieve or whatever they choose to do. It's ok to report on the fire, it's progress, evacuations and anything else that contributes to information that may be used by victims, relatives friends and the general public. Just leave the victims alone. Kudos to those that barred the media from entering the temporary shelter.
Stump, they cant send every piece of equipment to the fire. Other emergencies will occur and they must have equipment to respond. What is outragous is you are writing this cooment based on someones possible encounter with a fire engine that possibly may or may not of had water. Next, how does the cities streetscape project affect state funding to call fire? Please tell me the link and I will start raising hell!!
I traveled south on 49 at about 6:15 am without much traffic. But there were a few slowing down to gawk, so expect slow going as the morning wears on.
stump: Some stations are not "staffed" meaning people are there waiting for calls to go out, that is true for volunteer departments and maybe some paid departments. I don't know about the Auburn Folsom station, but when a call does go out the firemen get there very quickly. And raiderdave is right, they do not send EVERYTHING out all at the same time. It is not like the world of emergencies stops when something like this happens, they have to save some resources for other calls (like when YOUR house catches fire...or do you want them to ALL be over at the other fire?).
My thoughts and prayers go out to all that lost their homes and business. And I want to say Thank you to the firefighters who are putting their lives on in danger to fight the fire! My dad and brother are on the fire!
Does anybody know the status of North Fork Vet? That was a brand new home for them they worked for years to get that facility built. I know the Harley shop across the street did not make it. Could someone please give me the status.
For Stump who was ALREADY complaining. The Auburn Folsom station is a un-maned station. The Sacramento St has fire personnel there at all times. I know of one fireman that was called on his day off away from his son's second birthday to fight the fire!!! They also have to leave at least two firefighters at the station in case we need them at the south end of town. Get you facts straight before you complain about those that are protecting others in a very bad time.
Don't get me wrong my frustration is NOT with the firemen. In fact I have several retired fire friends and I know they are doing the best they can with the resources they have. But don't tell me to calm down when people are losing their homes and we have fire stations in the city and elsewhere that are unstaffed or understaffed because the powers that be decided they would rather paint a few mirals on gas tanks instead of protect the city. I really feel for the families that lost their homes and their belongings. If we had enough resources I believe this could have been avoided.
North Fork Vet is fine.
Stump, hope you'll support higher taxes for more services. More services for more people. Overpopulation rears its ugly head even in this situation. Less people need less resources and services. Kind of a cause and affect. Regardless, this is a very sad day for so many affected.
north fork vet's power is out but all is well otherwise.
Thank you for the info on the vet. I appreciate it. :)
I heard this morning that it was discovered as "arson" and that authorities are looking for the suspect. It began at the corner of 49 and the road that goes up to the k.o.a. campgrounds. I hope that they catch this culprit and gives him (or her) the "business". It such a shame that someone would start a fire to destroy innocent peoples property and/or animals with no regrets. Some people are just SICK!
Maybe somone already addressed this, but it's Hwy 49 & DRY Creek--not Rock Creek--Jennifer.
I would also like to say that I think that it is just awesome when a community can pull together to help others who are in need following a traumatic event like this or others. I think that there is NO greater love for people to put their lives on the line to save others. I think this is another opportunity for us to reach out and help those who are left with nothing whether it be to volunteer services, give food, clothing, money, furniture, or whatever we can to help. It feels really good to give to those in need and is more blessed to give than to recieve. God bless all of those who lost their belongings and to those who risk thier lives to fight the fires (like justinsmommy's brother and father) as well as the law enforcment officers who risk their lives. My heart goes out to all who've had a loss in this fire and all of the other fires everywhere.
STUMP. Maybe you should thank our wonderful governor for cutting the cal fire and safety personnel budget. How nice though, i heard he "un-furloughed" the 911 dispatchers. But hey! At least our taxes weren't raised!... My heart goes out to everyone who suffered loss in the fire. And a big thank you to all of the people out there getting it under control.
I am a victim of a fire. It is a terrible experience. The media needs to leave the victims alone so they can grieve in their own way. Going through a fire is devastating and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. The fire started on the North side of Hwy 49 between Quartz & Education St. I saw it burning just before the fire dept. arrived. I just saw the channel 3 news & they state that the fire may have started on a PG&E pole. No mention of arson. However, there was a fire in the Meadow Vista area they believe was arson started.
I'm appalled in a time when we are worried about our friends and neighbors well being that somebody would take a cheap shot before any facts are known. Take a chill pill and keep your partisan comments to yourself in times like these. There will be plenty of time for the blame game bur for now lets make the folks who lost everything whole again.
One comment stated that arson may have been the cause. While I haven't heard any media report on arson being the cause, I do want to inform everyone that last night at around 9PM an arsonist did set some dried grass on fire near the entrance to the Winchester Housing Development in Meadow Vista. I arrived at the scene of that fire just before the fire department arrived. I spoke with the couple who had witnessed a man with a small to medium build wearing a white hat first walking away and then running away. Sheriff officials were questioning someone in the area last night but I have no word on whether that person is still a suspect.
The loss of homes, businesses and pets is a terrible tragedy for those who had been affected. It's also a wakeup call for everyone to ensure that their homes are cleared of debrid and that some kind of preparations are made for people and pets io get out quick in advance of a fire. With an arsonist on the loose, it's not to late for people to prepare and be vigilant as the fire season is not over yet and arsonist's tend to strike multiple times.
timberbeast, I do support higher taxes for public safety. I remember several years back there being something on the ballot for fire protection. (some sort of tax) I don't live in the county area or else I would have voted for it. I don't know that it would have helped in this case with the wind but you never know. I do feel bad for everyone effected and will be looking to help with donations and what ever else I can.
No new taxes are needed. The waste in governement spending needs to be ended.
We can all play second hand quaterback on this fire, but none of us were on firelines and had to make the required split second decisions.
I believe the fire managers and all the fire personnel who put their lives on the line to save what they could, did a great job. Just look at the numbers of personnel, equipment and aircraft that fought the fire for a 275 acre fire. Whats the difference what the fire is named, 49er, 89er. etc? It was a serious fire and many people lost all their belongings, thats what we should be concerned about,and not whats the name of the fire.Belongings can be replaced but not lives like the two firefighters who lost their life's on the Los Angeles fires.
I have tried to keep my frustration in but reading some of these comments just makes me so angry. My husband was on that fire, he was there fighting that fire with the wind and the heat. I realize that this is his job but when people refuse to leave that puts unneeded risk to my husbands life and those of his crew. NO house or piece of property is worth any life. My heart goes out to those that lost their homes, sincerly I was so saddened to see the distruction caused by this fire. But for those who bash the fire deptartment for standing around or not doing anything, you have no idea what they do for you. If a fire comes to a house is it not better to try and save the next house than waste water on a house that is already gone. This started so fast and spread so quick there was nothing they could do but try and protect what they could. So instead of tearing down the fire department why don't you stop by and say thank you to those men and women that stayed up all night to watch the other homes, A 24 HOUR period no rest and no sleep, when was the last time you stayed at your job and went 100 % for that amount of time. Oh yeah two firemen gave their lives trying to fight fires in LA, think they had children and families that will miss them and never see them again, when did your job have such a risk. SHOW COMPASSION TO ONE ANOTHER AND INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING GO AND HELP SOMEONE IN NEED!!!
A FRIEND OF MINE SEEN A MAN THROW A CIGARETTE OUT THE WINDOW AND THE BRUSH CATCH FIRE SAID THE MAN JUMPED OUT TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH A BLANKET . THEY SHOULD BAN CIGS PERIOD! HE SHOULD BE HUNG FOR ALL THAT WAS LOST
AMEN AS MANY TIMES AS I CAN SAY IT TO "Firewife" They don't know what its like untill you have been in their shoes and on the line!!!
Question for "scooternboo: Did your friend report the person to the police???
Does anyone have a listing of the addresses of homes and business entities that have been destroyed? I know my Vet's place is safe, thanks to the firemen and women.
Specifically, I'm wondering about 12525 Oak Mist Lane.
I'm in Christian Valley in the Evac zone. We packed up and were ready to leave and waited for the notification to get out. We never got it because it was only a phone system here. We have Wave Broadband and when the power goes so does our phone. So when the power came back on I listened to our messages and found out we were under mandatory Evacuation. Nice system we have here and that needs to be fixed. That is my only beef in all of this
I also watched this fire start from town and it took off so incredibly fast that I could not believe it. The fire fighters were right on it and they were fighting against the strong wind blowing. Thank you to all our Fire fighters for the hard work you do!!
To all the families who lost everything my heart goes out to all of you!
Placer County Leak:
Estimated homes lost: *60*
I would love to know how to volunteer to fight fire right now.
@scooternboo:
Most California wildfires are caused by careless flicking of cigarettes out of vehicle windows, main causes of fires on I-80, those are usually contained right away, but some just start too quickly such as this off 49. I indeed think smoking should be banned, they are bad for health and cause cancer anyway, if they want a place to smoke they can build a concrete building.
If anyone caused this, well, there is not enough punishment in the world to make up for everything lost in this fire.
@firewife:
I do not think you understand, people defend territories until the bitter end, or evacuate themselves when all hope is lost. It's normal, its where people live, its extremely expensive, and even if you get a new place, you owe that much more, you'll be working it off until you die, if you manage to pay off a house. Some people can add danger to firefighters, others not so much. It's where people have everything that they hold dear to them.
Everything that they hold dear, I get that but this is my husband, our friends and fire family. I understand it but to stay and then expect them to rescue you, like in LA...Its just a house, I know the memories are there, trust me I understand but to watch as some stupid people get interveiwed and bash those men and women on the line who have been working for three days now straight please, my sympathy went out the door for those who want to point the finger. And yeah I do understand about their homes and leaving at the very end, but you brought up expensive, what about the bills that woman who lost her husband in the LA fire has to pay now with no spouse to help. They should think of what is truely important in their life, if it is that important than you should have it in a fire box to protect it that is what I have.
I would like to answer the question "Ronini" posted a couple of days ago about a specific home on Oak Mist Lane after the fire. I am happy to say that house is still standing.