Update: Fire In Crystal Falls Area of Tuolumne County

Update at 5 p.m.: CAL Fire spokesperson Emily Kilgore details what sparked a vegetation fire after 1 p.m. in some grass in the 16500 block of South Creekside Drive near Meadow Lane, north of Highway 108 that then spread to some bushes.

“The cause was determined to be from improperly disposed of hot ashes,” disclosed Kilgore and further explained, “The call was not determined to be from an escaped debris burn, it was from ashes, so either a barbeque or a fireplace or something of that nature.”

Noting that this fire was preventable, Kilgore reminds the public that ashes must be “cooled to the touch” before being dumped. She adds that proper ash disposal means storing them in a metal can with lid in an area free of combustible materials. Kilgor also cautions it could take several days for ashes to be cool enough to be ready for disposal. Further details on the blaze can be viewed below.

Original post at 2:45 p.m.: Crystal Falls, CA — CAL Fire reports that crews are battling a vegetation fire in the Crystal Falls area of Tuolumne County.

It broke out is some grass in the 16500 block of South Creekside Drive between Meadow Lane and Ridgeview Drive, north of Highway 108. CAL Fire reports that crews have made quick work of the fire as the flames forward rate of spread has been stopped at a half an acre. Crews will remain on scene working towards full containment and mopping up for the next couple of hours. What sparked the blaze is under investigation.