Fire officials expect a 500 acre wildfire in Mariposa County to be contained tonight. They say the fire is no longer a threat. The blaze, which authorities say was started when sparks flew on some dry grass as a man used a grinder, broke out around 11 a.m. yesterday.
About 25 homes were threatened for some time.
Firefighters are using water-dumping helicopters and planes to contain the blaze. At least 16 fire engines are on the scene.
Smoke from the blaze could be clearly seen here in Tuolumne County.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 4:51 pm