The Calaveras County coroner confirmed Wednesday that a 65-year-old man died when he was unable to escape his home during the Butte Fire, reports KCRA.
Mark McCloud, who lived off Baker Riley and Jesus Maria roads in the Mokelumne Hill area, refused orders to leave and died as the fire swept through, according to Kevin Raggio of the coroner’s office.
Authorities recovered another body in the Mountain Ranch area while investigating the Butte Fire. The man also died in the blaze, but his identity has not been released until next of kin is notified.
The Butte Fire broke out at 2:26 p.m. Sept. 9 east of Jackson. The fire spread later in the week to Amador and Calaveras counties and has burned nearly 72,000 acres, according to Cal Fire’s latest update Wednesday morning. The fire is 45 percent contained.
A total of 233 homes have already been destroyed by the fire, while 6,400 structures remain threatened.
The 4,865 firefighters battling the blaze were able to make progress Tuesday thanks to cooler weather conditions.
All evacuations and road closures in Amador County were lifted Tuesday afternoon and students returned to school Wednesday.
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