Update: 25-Percent Containment Reached On Donnell Fire

Update at 9:10am: The US Forest Service reports there is some new growth on the Donnell Fire into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The latest size estimate is 29,569 acres and it remains 25-percent contained. Thunderstorms are projected early this afternoon that could bring wind gusts of 35 mph. The high winds will increase the potential of spot fires as embers can blow up to around 1,000 feet. It could also limit the activity of aircraft today.

Click here to view the latest map of the Donnell Fire

Original story at 6:30am: Tuolumne County, CA — The Donnell Fire in the Stanislaus National Forest is up to 28,792 acres and there is 25-percent containment.

Good progress has been reported over recent days. 817 personnel are now on scene as firefighters attack it from both the air and ground. Hot shot crews have made substantial progress constructing hand line from the Bennett Juniper toward Highway 108 on the easterly edge. In the Eagle Creek drainage crews brought in pumps and hose utilizing water to secure more containment lines. Teams also cut hand line on the northwest edge of the fire.

A sign that continued progress is being made, and the level of concern is dropping, the Forest Service is no longer in unified command with CAL Fire.

There remains a mandatory evacuation order in place from Eagle Meadow to Kennedy Meadows Resort. Highway 108 is closed from Eagle Meadow to the Tuolumne/Mono county line.