As reported previously, the Rim Fire has jumped a containment line and officials have issued an advisory evacuation notice for the entire Pine Mountain Lake Subdivision. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office points out that it is only an advisory notice at this point, and not a mandatory evacuation.
Other areas under an advisory notice include the Berkeley Family Camp, Hardin Flat, Ferretti Road, Clements Road, Camp Tawonga, Buck Meadows, San Jose Family Camp, Rainbow Pool, Yosemite Inn, Early Intake, Evergreen Lodge, Packard Canyon and the Spinning Wheel Forest Service Facility. Officials have put in place a reverse 911 system to notify residents that are under an evacuation advisory.
Evacuee Virgil McVicker lives five miles east of Pine Mountain Lake and had a first-hand view this afternoon. "It was clear earlier today, and within the past two hours it lit a very substantial fire, jumped over the Tuolumne River, and it just mushroomed," says McVicker.
McVicker is one of the people headed to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds evacuation center.
Pine Mountain Lake, CA -- Officials with the Rim Fire are advising residents in the Pine Mountain Lake subdivision to evacuate.
Forest Service officials report that the fire has jumped over the containment line. The incident base camp is also in the area.
"It is not an evacuation order, but an advisement," adds Scott Johnson of the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office. "We are advising people to leave. The evacuation shelter is still located at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds."
Groveland, CA -- The Air National Guard confirms that two HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopters are on their way to the Rim Fire in the Stanislaus National Forest.
A spokesperson for the Air National Guard says they left Mather Air Force Base this morning and should arrive any moment. The helicopters are similar to a Blackhawk, and incorporate the US Air Force PAVE electronic systems program.
"Almost immediately after receiving orders to provide support for our wildfire operations from headquarters in Sacramento, our airmen gathered their gear and headed to Mather," says Col. Steven J. Butow in a statement. "As rescue professionals, we have the ability to respond rapidly to any challenge we're given, anytime and anywhere."
Last year the 129th Rescue Wing dropped more than 250,000 gallons of water on wildfires across California.
The Air National Guard reports that the helicopters received their assignments at Mather Air Force Base and are equipped with buckets to make drops. Over 850 firefighters are on scene of the Rim Fire. The latest estimate is that it is around 16,200 acres and 5% contained.
BE SAFE!
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