CAL FIRE Mariposa Division Representative Rich Drozen discussing the Butte Fire in Amador and Calaveras Counties said if that fire happened in Mariposa we could be looking at the same results if not worse especially with the fuel
conditions from the tree mortality. He said the residents need to look at their own houses and armor them by getting rid of leaves, dead bushes, etc.
Also the 100 foot clearance during a drought year is inadequate.
Rich Drozen said the NIXLE notification system that Mariposa County uses can save lives and everyone needs to be signed up for it. And when someone knocks on your door and says it is time to leave that means it is time to leave. The Butte Fire was spotting over a mile ahead creating it's own fire storm. The Butte Fire was similar to the 1961 Harlow Fire.
Mariposa County Sheriff Doug Binnewies said the NIXLE notification system is absolutely necessary considering the rural nature of our area and some areas have a single one way in and out.
Registering is easy online or you can call the sheriff department. Currently there are only about 2,000 people signed up.
