MARIPOSA COUNTY – Crews are on scene of a vegetation fire north of Highway 140 in the Catheys Valley area of Mariposa County.
Just after 5 p.m., a small fire was reported in the 3800 block of Highway 49 in the Bootjack area. However, that fire was reportedly put out by locals, and engines en route spotted a smoke off Trower Road in Catheys Valley. All but two engines were diverted to the new incident.
The first unit at scene on Trower Road reported the fire at one to two acres on top of a hill with a moderate rate of spread.
As of 5:25 p.m., access to the fire is proving difficult and some firefighters are preparing to hike in, while others look for access routes.
Air Attack and two tankers are en route, along with a helicopter.
As of 5:47 p.m., the fire was estimated at about 3 to 5 acres with about 5 percent containment and a low rate of spread. Access was located at 5276 Hornitos Road.
At 6:10 the forward progress of the fire had been stopped, and GPS by the helicopter mapped it at about 6.5 acres. Crews continue to work on getting hose lay all the way around the perimeter.
At 6:26 p.m, the Incident Commander reported hose lays complete, reduced incoming equipment to travel without lights and sirens, and estimated a couple hours before he could begin releasing equipment to be available for response to other incidents.
We will update this article as conditions develop.
