Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest

Ten Lightning Start Fires on the Stanislaus NF

Sonora, CA (June 22, 2008) ... At least ten lightning fires were started Saturday across the Stanislaus National Forest after a series of storm cells passed over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The fires were ignited between about 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. yesterday. Most fires were small and burned either a single tree or a few acres with low flame lengths. Patrols are monitoring their progress with some fires already contained.

The largest fire is located on the north side of the Tuolumne River Canyon near North Mountain. The North Mountain Fire is as large as 500 acres burning in trees and grasses dispersed among rocky terrain. The fire is moving towards the peak at North Mountain where a lookout tower and radio repeater station are located.

Four hand crews have been working on the fire and a type two team has been requested. In addition to the hand crews, other resources used to stop the spread of lightning caused fires include four air tankers, two helicopter, four engines, two dozers, a water tender, and several patrol units and overhead personnel.

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