North Mountain Fire 30 Percent Contained

Sonora, CA — According to Stanislaus National Forest Public Affairs Officer Pat Kaunert the 1,411 acre North Mountain Fire in the Cherry Creek Drainage area of the south county is 30 percent contained as of 11am Friday.

422 crew members are fighting the lightning-caused fire that has now cost approximately $750,000.

Because the immediate area is inaccessible to engines and dozers, hose line has been laid to bring water up from the Tuolumne River to the outer perimiter of the fire.

Crews are ever watchful of the predicted thunderstorms that could bring more lightning streks to the foothills and the Sierra Nevada later today.

There has been little if any change in the 2,200 acre Oliver Fire in Mariposa County. The fire is still listed as 20 percent contained. Cost of fighting this fire has increased from $3.03 to $3.37 million since Thursday evening.

Written by Bill Johnson