Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest

Stanislaus NF Lightning Fires continue to Burn

Sonora, CA (June 23,  2008) ... Of the ten lightning fires started Saturday across the Stanislaus National Forest, most fires are small and burned either a single tree or a few acres with low flame lengths. The largest fire is located on the north side of the Tuolumne River Canyon near North Mountain on the Groveland Ranger District. The North Mountain Fire is as large as 600 acres burning in trees and grasses dispersed among steep rocky terrain. The fire is moving towards the peak at North Mountain where a lookout tower and radio repeater station are located and has crested the ridge where it stands between Cherry Creek to the north and the Tuolumne River to the south. Fire progression to the west is impeded due to ground burned in the Early fire in 2004. Yosemite National Park lies a few miles to the east.

A type 2 fire management team took operational control of the fire today. The team will continue to utilize the support of Stanislaus National Forest resources.

An initial fire base camp will be established at the Groveland Ranger District compound. Additional firefighting resources include: Three type 3 handcrews, three type 1 handcrews, two division supervisors one type 3 strike team (supported by Stanislaus NF engines if necessary), two to four airtankers, one type 2 helicopter, an air attack aircraft, a lead plane, and miscellaneous support personnel.

Smoke will be seen and may impact residences in Tuolumne, Mariposa, Alpine and Calaveras counties.

For updated information call the Stanislaus National Forest at (209) 532-3671.