Groveland Fire Partially Contained

The 100-acre fire near Groveland is partially contained, says the Califonia Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, and the end is near. The CDF´s Public Information Officer, Deb Fish, says the acreage estimate remains at 100 acres burned, 35% of which is contained, as of 7pm Friday.

The site is between the communities of Groveland and Smith Station, off Highway 120.

Two helicopters and three air tankers were at the scene of the fire near Groveland Friday, which burned 100 acres along Big Creek Shaft Road on Friday afternoon.

In addition to the five aerial units, three bulldozers, four engines, three water tankers, and a pair of fire prevention units were on the scene Friday.

Fish also says the winds have died down somewhat, and with the temperature dropping toward sunset, officials expect to have an additional advantage this evening.

Firefighters estimate full containment by sometime tomorrow morning.

The fire was originally an escaped debris burn, during illegal burning hours, with poor clearance. When they residents thought the fire had been extinguished, they left the scene, but the fire rekindled.

No immediate structure threats existed, said CDF offficials, except for the shed which burned.