The cause of the fire that burned through 13 structures and 24
acres of the historic ghost town New Idria remains unknown, as
investigators are continuing their search for reasons why the town
erupted into flames a little less than a month ago.
The cause of the fire that burned through 13 structures and 24 acres of the historic ghost town New Idria remains unknown, as investigators are continuing their search for reasons why the town erupted into flames a little less than a month ago.
The wildfire that sparked July 28 destroyed every building except for the schoolhouse on the north side of the dirt road that divides the town in half. The other buildings on the south side were unharmed.
Firefighters received notice early the following day and extinguished the fire by 5 p.m.
New Idria was once a bustling mining town, which focused on mercury production for the U.S. Department of Defense, before it was shut down in 1972. The town has remained mostly empty since.
The investigation has carried for nearly a month because of the mine’s remote location and other fires in the area, Calfire Battalion Chief Sam Walker said. Investigators hope to finish in the upcoming weeks but still need to speak with a few witnesses.
“We can’t say anything until we have talked to those witnesses,” Walker said.
