January 1, Central California Wildfires Threaten Land and Livelihoods

Wyatt’s Take

• Wildfires rage with no containment in Central California
• Thousands evacuated, homes and livestock at risk
• Firefighters battling rough terrain and dry conditions

Wildfires are ripping through Central California. Over 13,000 acres have burned with no signs of being under control.

Lightning sparked the TCU September Lightning Complex on Tuesday, creating 22 separate fires across Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. By Wednesday, crews had not contained any part of these fires. The largest fire, named 6-5, spread over 6,800 acres, while others varied in size.

“Sixteen zones are under evacuation orders, while seven more face warnings.” Shelters have opened in Altaville and Sonora for families and pets. Livestock is being evacuated to nearby fairgrounds.

No injuries or damage to buildings had been reported by midweek. Over 600 firefighters are on the front lines trying to stop the flames.

Fresno County is facing its own battle. The Salt 14-2 Fire has burned 5,000 acres near Coalinga, again with zero containment. Two hundred firefighters are attacking the blaze, but steep land and rough access make it tough going. Planes and helicopters join the fight as weather allows.

Another fire, the Garnet Fire, has burned nearly 30,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest. That one is 12% contained. Again, no injuries or lost buildings have been reported with this fire.

California’s largest wildfire, the Gifford Fire, has destroyed five buildings and left several people injured since starting August 1. It is now mostly contained after burning more than 131,000 acres.

The cause of these disasters brings hardship and stress to local families and workers, putting homes and livestock in harm’s way with each passing hour.

Wyatt Matters

When wildfires rage, small towns and tight-knit communities pay the price. Responders and neighbors band together to protect what they can, showing the grit and heartland spirit that keeps hope alive even in the face of nature’s fury.

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