New Melones Fire Close to Contained

Firefighters are continuing to gain on the fire burning at New Melones Lake off Highway 49 in Tuolumne County this evening.

Tuolumne County Fire Marshall Kary Hubbard said, as of around 9 p.m., the fire has burnt 100 acres and is now 25 percent contained. By morning crews should have nearly full containment. Firefighters will be at the fire all night long. Many of the firefighters will use boats to gain access to remote area of the fire.

She said the topography of the area has made it difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze. “They are making good progress and are now aggressively attack the fire,” she said. As the sun sets and cooler temperature move into the lake area, firefighters will get an advantage on the flames.

The fire was first reported at 3:45 p.m.Saturday afternoon along the shore area of the lake and spread quickly in the grass and brush off Highway 49 about 1/4 mile east of the New Melones Visitors Center.