Firefighters fully contain deadly 70,868-acre Butte fire - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Firefighters fully contain deadly 70,868-acre Butte fire

On Sept. 24, Daniel Hawkins, left, and his father, Steve Dowing, search through the remains of their Mountain Ranch, Calif., property, which was destroyed in the Butte fire.

On Sept. 24, Daniel Hawkins, left, and his father, Steve Dowing, search through the remains of their Mountain Ranch, Calif., property, which was destroyed in the Butte fire.

(Andrew Seng / Associated Press)
Share via

The deadly Butte fire was fully contained this week after destroying hundreds of homes and scorching 70,868 acres in California’s Gold Country.

After burning for nearly a month in Amador and Calaveras counties, firefighters announced Thursday that they had stamped out the massive blaze.

The fire is the seventh most destructive in state history, consuming nearly 820 structures, more than half homes.

Advertisement

See the most-read stories this hour >>

The cause is under investigation, but Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said it may have been started when a power line came into contact with a tree.

Two deaths have been attributed to the Butte fire. Mark McCloud, 66, and Owen Goldsmith, 82, were residents of Mountain Ranch who refused to evacuate.

Advertisement

McCloud refused a neighbor’s offer for a ride and he tried to fight the flames himself, his friend Glenn Wharregard said.

Read more about California wildfires >>

Flames swept through the tiny mining town of 1,600 people, leveling dozens of homes.

The Valley fire -- the third most destructive in California history -- was near full containment Friday. Four people were killed in the blaze.

Advertisement

The deadly blaze started three days after the Butte fire and has charred 76,067 acres in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties. Nearly 2,000 structures, including homes, multi-family buildings and commercial properties, have been destroyed.

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

ALSO

Swarming bees sting man 50-100 times in Costa Mesa

No charges to be filed in loud Kardashian fireworks show off Marina del Rey

Overturned truck spills hot asphalt on 71 Freeway, blocking all southbound lanes for hours

Advertisement
Advertisement