Telegraph Fire Reaches 90 Percent Containment
Mariposa, CA — According to CAL Fire the 34,091 acre (53 square mile) Telegraph Fire has reached 90 percent containment effective Saturday evening.
By Friday morning crews had but two miles of line to establish to hit the full containment mark.
Currently there is no threat to structures in the communities of Midpines, Mariposa and Bear Valley. There is no anticipated growth of the fire unless a significant event occurs.
Concerns still remain in the northeastern portion of the fire. Accessibility problems continue to hamper suppession efforts due to terrain that is bisected by deep drainages, rock outcroppings and the Merced River canyon. Interior islands continue to experience significant fire behavior with no direct threat to the primary containment lines. There is good progress being made establishing and improving the fireline around the north end. Fire suppression repair is continuing.
Road restrictions on Hwy 140 east of Mariposa may affect access to Yosemite. Visitors are encouraged to utilize alternate routes.
Community meetings and on-site media update conferences have been suspended.
Four additional injuries were reported Friday bringing the total for the nine day old fire to 28 (all minor).
21 structures and 33 outbuildings have been destroyed.
Total personnel assigned as of today; 3,974 including 93 hand crews, 336 engines (reduced by more than 100 from Friday), 54 water tenders, 64 dozers, 11 helicopters and 12 air tankers.
Cost of fighting the Telegraph Fire to date; $28,923,147.
Written by Bill Johnson
