Marsh Fire evacuations remain in effect, 2 Red Cross shelters open
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - CalFire issued an expanded evacuation order Wednesday evening for homes on Marsh Creek Road between Dear Valley Road and Morgan Territory Road in Contra Costa County.
Residents were told to leave immediately by car around 6 p.m. and to go by way of Morgan Territory Road towards Clayton, or Dear Valley Rd towards Brentwood.
Dubbed the Marsh Fire, the grassfire rapidly grew to 247 acres by 10 p.m. CalFire officials said the fire was 20 percent contained Wednesday night and that once residence as well as two outdoor structures burned near Marsh Creek Rd and Bragdon way, east of Mount Diablo near Clayton.
At an earlier news conference, CalFire said the priority had shifted to protect structures.
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Residents are advised to leave the areas by vehicle, to bring their pets in a carrier or on a leash and keep the windows up. Stay off the phone unless you need to report a life-threatening emergency at your location.
The fire broke out around 2:40 p.m. according to CalFire public information officer Jonathan Cox.
"If you see smoke, if you see flames, leave the area immediately. Think about your life, your pets first before your property. These things tend to move quickly and don't miss the opportunity to evacuate now if you can," Cox said.
The fire is burning at a rapid rate of spread and CalFire is using significant air and ground resources to fight the fire. Cox said a large air tanker was called in because of the threat to so many homes in the area.
The fire is burning in a southeast direction along Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory Road.
As many as 150 fire personnel are working the fire. Marin, Napa and Contra Costa County fire departments are assisting. There are no reported injuries.
The Red Cross has opened two fire evacuation centers; one at 6125 Clayton Road in Clayton next to the library and another at Brentwood Community Center located at 35 Oak Street in Brentwood (next to the library).
Stay with ktvu.com for more on this developing story.