Good Progress Made On Mother Lode Fires

Firefighters have made significant progress so far today in surrounding the Creek fire. The blaze is now 85
percent contained. 12 helicopters and 10 air tankers are helping more than 2500 firefighters on the ground cut a line around the leading edge of the fire. Full
containment is still expected by 5 pm Saturday.

Mop up crews are in the evacuated areas around Greeley Hill and Jackass Ridge south of Highway
120. The evacuation advisory for Groveland and Pine Mountain Lake, around Highway 120 has been lifted. The Red Cross will be opening an additional shelter
for displaced residents tomorrow morning at nine. It will be in the Groveland community center and museum.

Cool temperatures and low humidity
overnight have helped considerably, according to spokesperson Deborah Fish. The arson-caused fire has cost $3,655,500 dollars to fight so far. That figure is
expected to increase by at least another million dollars. Anyone who might have information that can help find the arsonist is asked to call the Sonora CDF
Office.

Firefighters in Calaveras county are making good headway with the Leonard fire. Residents in the area of upper Murray Creek can expect to
see additional smoke as crews light back-fires through the afternoon.

The 4185 acre fire is still just 40 percent contained. Crews expect to have it
completely surrounded by six o´clock Saturday evening. 1559 firefighters are fighting the blaze with support from the air. So far the fire has cost about two
million dollars to fight. It was started by a piece of brush clearing equipment.

The White Fire, northeast of Strawberry is expected to be fully controlled
by six tonight. Total cost to fight the fire, one million dollars.