Crews Making Progress On Calaveras Dome Fire
Pioneer, Ca — Firefighters are making progress in constructing fire lines to check the spread and contain the Calaveras Dome Fire, currently burning in a rugged, remote area of the Stanislaus National Forest.
According to PIO Pat Kaunert, the fire is located approximately one and a half miles southwest of the Salt Springs Reservoir, and 13 miles northeast of the small community of Dorrington. Smoke is clearly visible in the area.
An early estimate from CAL FIRE was that the fire was approximately 80-110 acres. The Forest Service is currently estimating the fire at 75 acres.
The fire is burning in steep terrain and is not currently threatening any structures or communities. Approximately 725 firefighters are committed to the fire suppression effort, including three air tankers, three helicopters, four water tenders, two dozers, 22 fire engines, 28 twenty-person hand crews, and 20 supervisory overhead and support personnel.
Kaunert says that although access to the fire is difficult, firefighters are making excellent progress, while at the same time, making sure that safety comes first.
Retardant-dropping fixed wing air tankers and water-dropping helicopters are being utilized to cool, check, and slow the fire´s spread. Together, they are providing coordinated air attack support for firefighters´ fire line construction efforts on the ground.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Written by BJ Hansen
