Latest On Two Mother Lode Fires

Groveland Fire

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CAL Fire reports the 134 acre Penn Fire in Murphys is 90% contained and they hope to have it fully contained today. The 100 acre Graham Fire northeast of Groveland is 40% contained. CAL Fire estimates that fire will be contained sometime on Monday. Captain Sean Collins says "Our main concern is the rough terrain. It's making access hard for crews and allowing the fire to roll over containment lines." He adds "Already three firefighters have suffered knee and ankle injuries due to the steep ground."

In the Penn Fire, one building was destroyed and 12 homes were threatened. Collins says "The hot spots are a problem. He says "A plane with inferred heat targeted the hot spots finding several in the interior of the fire and crews have been concentrating on those areas."

CAL Fire reports weather could be a factor if it keeps heating up and the wind kick up. Our temperatures are expected to steadily climb to nearly 100 degrees by Tuesday. Also, the National Weather Service reports thunderstorms moving into the Sierra Nevada on Tuesday due to monsoonal moisture moving into the area.

CAL Fire reports nearly 1000 firefighters are on the scene of the Graham Fire. They say and as they release crews from the Penn Fire they are sending some to Groveland. Some of the firefighters are from as far away as Orange County.

Below is a list of the crews that are assisting in both blazes:

• The Penn Fire: CHP, US Forest Service, National Park Service, Murphys Fire, NCPA,    Calaveras SO, Altaville Melones Fire, Ebbetts Pass Fire, CA Dept. of Corrections and PG&E.

• The Graham Fire: U.S. Forest Service, Groveland Community Services District, Tuolumne County SO, Tuolumne County Fire, Ca. Department of Corrections, and PG&E.

CAL Fire is still investigating what sparked the blazes.

To view a map of the Pine Fire, click here.

To view a map of the Graham Fire, click here.

Written by Tracey Petersen

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