Afternoon Fire Update

CAL Fire says the blaze near Natural Bridges is now contained, but the Forest Service remains busy battling the Rim Fire in the Groveland Ranger District.

Five engines remain on scene of the Bridges Fire for mop-up, and 65 firefighters are still assigned to the incident. Officials continue to investigate the cause.

The latest estimate from the Forest Service is that the Rim Fire in the Clavey River Canyon is 800 acres and there is no containment. Dozers are staged along Forest Service Road 1N01. The CHP has closed the “Rim of The World” overlook off Highway 120 for safety reasons. Motorists can still travel Highway 120 through Groveland and into Yosemite. In addition, the seasonal gate to Lumsden Road is blocked off until further notice. The fire continues to move up the Clavey River Drainage. 166 firefighters are assigned to the incident this afternoon. There are several air resources assisting. The temperature near the fire is in the mid-90’s, and it is in an area of very steep terrain.

The fires have resulted in heavy drift smoke throughout the region.