Firefighters Battle Willow Creek Fire

Firefighters just outside San Andreas are beginning to make headway on a wildfire this evening along Willow Creek road near Mountain Ranch Road.

CDF spokesman Renny LeRoy at the fire command center says fire crews have been successful in protecting surrounding homes and buildings near the fire.

“There´s nothing threatened at the present time,” LeRoy said late this afternoon, although earlier in the afternoon a number of buildings and homes were at risk as the fire progressed. “We were able to get engines at all the structures and get them protected.”

Four air tankers and three helicopters were battling the fire throughout the afternoon.

Fire officials are hoping cooler temperatures at nightfall with help their efforts in keeping the blaze from spreading more.

There is no estimate on when the fire might be contained tonight. Hundreds of firefighters are on this fire burning in thick brush, grass and oak trees. Smoke and flames could be seen from Highway 49 south of San Andreas this afternoon.

Fire is believed to have been started by sparks from a riding lawn mower cutting in dry grass.