Aero Fire in Calaveras County: Rapidly growing wildfire forces evacuations

COPPEROPOLIS, Calif. — Crews are battling the so-called Aero Fire in Copperopolis Monday afternoon.

Few details about the fire have been released at this time. However, Cal Fire said the Aero Fire has burned about 500 acres so far, according to Zone Haven, and has a rapid rate of spread. 

The fire is burning in the area of Aero Road and Hunt Road in Copperopolis.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office said evacuation orders are in progress.

The fire is also impacting Highway 4. Authorities said it is closed from Rock Creek Road and Pool Station near Aero Road and Hunt Road.

RELATED: Tracking California’s largest fires: Where the wildfires are so far in 2024

View the evacuation map from Zonehaven and Calaveras County below.

Evacuation orders include: 

• Rock Creek Rd from Hwy 4 to Hunts Valley Rd 
• Obyrnes Ferry Rd to Copper Cove 
• Hwy 4 west to Town Square

 Evacuation Zone # 152, 156, 157, 161, 163

Evacuation warnings are in place east of Pool Station Road to Appaloosa and Bar 20.

A map from the National Interagency Fire Center is available below.

If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.

WATCH: What you need to know to prepare, stay safe for wildfires

The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.

Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts. 

Read more: Are you wildfire ready? Here’s what to do to prepare for fire season.

PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you’re a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.

What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you’re impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.

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