Update: Marshes Fire Hits 70% Containment

Update at 6:30 p.m.: Firefighters are continuing to make progress on the Marshes Fire burning near Moccasin. Cal Fire reports that the flames are 70 percent contained and the acreage remains at 1080. Spokesperson Nancy Longmore indicates that many of the resources will be released this evening but she states, “Crews are continuing mop up well inside the lines so that passersby don’t see a lot of smoke. They’re also doing fire line rehab to minimize erosion.”

The fire was sparked by a driver pulling over into dry grass, according to Cal Fire.

Original post at 12:15 p.m.: Moccasin, CA — Progress continues to be made battling the Marshes Fire near Moccasin. CAL Fire Spoksperson Lindy Shoff reports the fire is now 1,080 acres and 65% contained.

CAL Fire reports that around 1,230 firefighters are assigned to the incident, 99 engines, 36 crews, 17 water tenders, nine dozers and four helicopters. Nearly 100 different agencies, from three states, have sent personnel.

The fire has been burning in a challenging area to access and much of it had not burned in over 30 years, which led to a build-up of dead vegetation. Officials report that firefighters have also been dealing with hot and dry temperatures, periods of heavy winds, rattlesnakes and yellow jackets.

All previously closed roads are back open, and evacuation orders have been lifted. Click here to read an earlier story about the cause of the fire. It ignited at 12:20pm this past Monday.