Smoke Causing Problems On Highway 4

Dorrington, CA — Highway 4 will be intermittently closed this afternoon near the Ganns Meadow area.

It is due to smoke from the Ramsey Fire. Several fire engines have been moving to and from the scene. The 400 acre fire is located along the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. It is between the town of Dorrington and the nearby Cabbage Patch Maintenance Station.

The Forest Service is asking motorists to avoid Highway 4, near the fire, if at all possible. Those that are planning to travel along Highway 4 should prepare for extended delays.

A strike team has been dispatched to provide structure protection for some homes in the Ganns Meadow area. The fire is 20 percent contained.

Forest Service Spokesperson Jerry Snyder says officials believe the fire was the result of an escaped campfire. It was first spotted at around 2:45pm on Saturday.

High temperatures, and steep canyons, have posed problems for firefighters. As reported previously, one firefighter suffered heat stroke over the weekend. He was taken to a Modesto hospital and has since been released.

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