Ramsey Fire Update

Dorrington, CA – Forest Officials say there is no longer a threat to the 16 homes that were endangered by the Ramsey Fire burning in Calaveras County. They say they have a really good solid fire line protecting not only the homes, but campgrounds and cabins in the area. The fire is 1,150 acres and 30 percent contained.

Forest Officials say their main objective for today is to keep working on the fire lines. Also, they say fire crews will be working on preparing an area along the southwestern edge of the fire near the Stanislaus River for a planned burnout operation tonight and tomorrow morning depending on fire conditions. The burnout operation is being planned to help secure a containment line along an area that is unsafe for fire crews to work in, due to steep terrain and standing dead trees.

Steep terrain and limited access along the Stanislaus River is a major concern and are making direct line construction along the fire unsafe for crews.

Additional hand crews are expected to arrive today to assist crews already working on the fire. A portable retardant mixing plant has been established in Bear Valley for helicopters to have a closer source of retardant for the flames.

As reported previously, it started as an escaped campfire. Smoke continues to be a problem across the region. Motorists should continue to expect extended delays on Highway 4 and the possibility of brief closures while crews go to and from the area. The fire itself is about 11 miles above Dorrington.

We would like to thank community member Bonnie Kellogg for emailing these pictures of the Ramsey Fire.