The moutains in California are still burning

Important Fire Information from Senitor David Cogdill.

Dear Constituents,

As you are aware there is a wildfire burning in the Midpines area. As the Senator for this area, I am extremely concerned for the communities affected by the fires. My office is in communication with Cal Fire and Office of Emergency Services representatives on scene, and will send updates as they become available.

Evacuations:

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for various roads between Mariposa, Midpines and Greeley Hill.
As of last evening the following roads are in the evacuation area: Texas Hill Rd., Dogtown Rd from Texas Hill Rd to Schilling Rd., Schilling Rd to Hwy 49N, Michaeloaks Rd. with road closure beginning at Hwy 49N.
An evacuation order is also in place for the Midpines community.
Evacuation warnings are in place for residences in the immediate area of the fire. This includes parts of the communities of Mariposa, Midpines, Greeley Hill, Coulterville, and Briceburg.
This is the latest update from Cal Fire as of 12:00pm, Tuesday, July 28, 2008:

Approximately 29,600 acres have been burned.
4000 residences are threatened at this time.
25 residences and 270 outbuildings have been destroyed.
The fire is 15% contained.
PG&E has turned off power to approximately 1000 residences at the request of Cal Fire. Most of these residences are in areas already evacuated. The utility company is bringing in generators in the Yosemite Valley and El Portal areas and will add customers to that source as soon as possible.

Additionally, here is important evacuation information:

For evacuation information call 209-966-1133. Mariposa Elementary School has been opened as an evacuation site.


The SPCA is not accepting any more animals however animals are being accepted at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. The Mariposa County Animal Control phone number is 742-4300. Animals at the SPCA facility on Highway 49 north have been moved to a ranch in Ponderosa Basin. Call 966-7766, 628-5793, or 742-3407 for information on locating a pet.
Here are some important tips if you need to evacuate your home.

First and foremost, it is imperative that, if given the order by law enforcement personnel, you follow all evacuation orders immediately for your safety.

Fires like this are extremely unpredictable so it is important that you plan ahead in case you need to be evacuated at the last minute. An evacuation checklist can be an important tool to ensure you have all necessary items during an evacuation. An evacuation checklist should contain the following:

Critical medications.
Important personal papers, photos.
Essential valuables.
Pets and livestock transports, limited amount of pet food.
Change of clothing, toiletries.
Cell phone.
Critical papers and effects in fire-proof safe.
If you think you may be evacuated, here are a few important tips:

Park your vehicle facing outward and carry your car keys with you.
Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
Prepare farm animals for transport.
Place connected garden hoses and buckets full of water around the house.
Move propane BBQ and appliances away from structures.
Cover up. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses.
Leave lights on in the house–door unlocked.
Leave windows closed–air conditioning off.
For updated information contact the Mariposa County Sheriff's Event Information Line at 966-1133, or visit the CAL FIRE Web site at:
http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents_others.php


Sincerely,


David Cogdill
Senator

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There was also a earthquake today, but as of noon today no one was hurt. It was 5. something and centered in L.A. country in the moutains there.