A fire burning west of Panoche in San Benito County has destroyed several buildings. CAL FIRE says the blaze, named the Coyote Fire, started off of Panoche Road and Coyote Creek. The fire started around 12:00 p.m. today (Wednesday) and quickly grew to 700 acres by 4 p.m.
Cal Fire reported that 2-3 structures had been destroyed but they can’t confirm if they were homes or out buildings. Another 30-50 buildings are currently threatened with more than 100 being in the line of the fire in the next 12 hours. High-tension power lines could also be damaged.
Evacuations have been ordered by the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. According to officials, residents near the Cal Fire Antelope Station in the Panoche Valley have been told to evacuate.
The San Benito County Fairgrounds are being used as an evacuation area.
150 firefighters from various agencies in San Benito County and the Central Coast have been called in. CAL FIRE said a significant air attack has also been requested.
