MEDIA RELEASE 3 - PATTISON COMPLEX FIRE

San Andreas – Those who wish to go home have gone home following the lifting of the evacuation order earlier today. The Red Cross will be closing the Valley Springs Elementary School evacuation center and they will be transitioning into family assistance. Those families who sustained a loss from the fire can contact the Red Cross for assistance at (916) 997-5023. The Pattison Complex Fire which broke out at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Friday is now 65% contained with full containment expected by 8:00 p.m. Sunday. The fire has burned 2,676 acres and destroyed eleven (11) homes, one of which was under construction, numerous outbuildings, vehicles, and equipment. The damage assessment team began it’s work this afternoon ascertaining the correct location of property and infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the fire. Fire activity was minimal throughout the day as firefighters fought the heat and low humidity to extinguish hot spots and consolidate their containment lines. At the height of the fire some 3,000 people were evacuated from 1,500 homes in approximately three (3) hours. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department and assisting law enforcement agencies displayed excellent interagency coordination and operational capability. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Command Team 6 assumed command of the fire at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Fire staffing for tonight will be reduced however firefighters will continue to consolidate fire lines and extinguish hot spots. Fire and County officials want to thank the public for their quick response in evacuating their homes in the face of the fast moving flames.