Firefighters Continue New Melones Fire Battle

Firefighters are continuing their battle to gain control of the fire burning at New Melones Lake this evening.

The fire was first reported at 3:45 p.m. this afternoon and is spreading quickly. Fire officials say the fire is holding to 75-100 acres in size. Fire units are battling a wildfire burning at New Melones Lake on the Tuolumne County side. The fire is off Highway 49 about 1/4 mile east of the New Melones Visitors Center.

At this time, one firefighter has sustained minor injuries fighting this blaze.

Additional air tankers and helicopters have been called in to fight this fire, some as far away as Hollister.

So far, law enforcement and fire officials have evacuated one home in the Jackass Hill area with possibly more evacuations forthcoming.