RIM FIRE NEARS STANISLAUS COMPLEX FIRE (1987) IN SIZE

August 25, 2013    11:04 am     B.J. Hansen, MML News Director 

 

Tuolumne County, CA -- The Rim Fire is already among the 15 largest fires on record for the State of California.

CAL Fire's records dating back to 1932 show that the largest fire in Tuolumne County was the Stanislaus Complex Fire in August of 1987. It burned 145,980 acres, 28 structures, and resulted in one death.

The largest fire statewide was the Cedar Fire in San Diego County back in October of 2003. It scorched 273,246 acres, 2,820 structures and resulted in 15 deaths.

At 133,980 acres as of this morning, the Rim Fire is unofficially the 14th largest fire on record for the State of California. Click here to view the report from CAL Fire on the 20 largest fires.

August 25, 2013    08:09 am      B.J. Hansen, MML News Director

Tuolumne County, CA -- The Rim Fire has grown to 133,980 acres and is seven percent contained.   The new size estimate was announced during the morning briefing.

Forest Service Spokesperson Jerry Snyder says the possibility of high winds today is concerning, as wind speeds are projected to be anywhere from 14-26 mph throughout the day.

Crews have had success laying down lines in the areas outside of Tuolumne City. The areas above Tuolumne City are also of notable concern, stretching up to communities like Sugar Pine and Mi Wuk Village.

Snyder adds, "The forecasted high winds and high potential for long range spotting remains a significant concern for fire to advance beyond the retardant lines and allow for fire spread into the communities of Tuolumne City, Twain Harte, and Long Barn to the west of the fire and east into the Hetch Hetchy Watershed."

An additional base camp has been established near Tuolumne City and establishment of spike camps are being planned to mitigate travel time of suppression resources and to limit exposure for the safety of firefighting resources.

Advisory evacuation notices remain in effect today for Tuolumne City, Ponderosa Hills, and the south side of Highway 108 from Soulsbyville to Mi Wuk Village-Sugar Pine. 18 homes in the Pine Mountain Lake Subdivision remain under an evacuation order.

REPEATED INFORMATION
Roads leading into Tuolumne City remain blocked only residents in the community and emergency officials are allowed to pass through. Residents need identification. Road closures are due to heavy traffic from emergency personnel.
Update Aug 24 7:30PM: Advisory notices removed for all but 18 homes in Pine Mountain Lake on Clements Road. Advisory notices are in effect for Tuolumne City, Ponderosa Hills, North Tuolumne Road, along Highway 108 up to Sugar Pine and Mi Wuk, and down Highway 108 to Soulsbyville and Willow Springs.
Rim Fire officials had their morning briefing, and the Rim Fire size estimate remains at 125,620. It is 5% contained, and the cost to battle the blaze is estimated at $7.8 million.
The Sonora WalMart is closed due to poor indoor air quality. The Black Oak Casino is open to those who have access to the area.
For non 911 Rim Fire Information (209) 533-5174 To volunteer call ATCCA at 984-3960 or Red Cross (209) 206-1134 or 1800 733-2767 For the animal shelter (209)694-2730 For Sheriff Posse (large animals) 532-8269 or 559-1323 For Visitors Bureau and Hotel Info 1800 446-1333

Evacuation Preparation Information is located under the "Community" tab or keyword: fire
For school closure information view the School Delays Page here.