Hathaway Pines, CA – Forest officials report that nearly two weeks after being ignited by a lightning strike a wildland fire in Alpine County’s Mokelumne Wilderness has grown 170 acres and remains at 30 percent containment.
As of this morning, Stanislaus National Forest Calaveras District officials say the Mokelumne Fire is currently described at 522 acres in size, demonstrating moderate fire behavior and producing minimal smoke.
Officials indicate that the incident is being managed using minimal impact suppression tactics and maximizing natural barrier use so as to protect, maintain and enhance resources while still allowing the fire to fulfill its natural ecological role. Fire officials alert the public to avoid the fire area and expect the wildfire’s progress to continue moving towards Mokelumne River, backing slowly down the slope while consuming a large brush field there.
While no campgrounds along Highway 4 in the area are currently being affected, during the planned movement of the fire officials say it is possible that smoke impacts might be seen and felt along the following trails: Jackson Canyon; Frog Lake; Lake Valley in Camp Irene; also the Underwood Valley, Woodchuck and Sandy Meadow trailheads.
No injuries, structures or evacuations have been reported in connection with the blaze, which initiated just before noon on August 18. Presently, 43 personnel are assigned, including two helicopters and four hand crews.