Telegraph Fire Fails To Reach 100 Percent Containment Monday

Mariposa, CA — Even though crews failed to reach their intended goal of 100 percent containment on the Telegraph Fire Monday, the demobilization of resources continues in Mariposa County.

Containment remains at Monday morning´s figure of 95 percent. There was no growth in the fire Monday. Acreage burned remains at 34,091 or 53 square miles.

There was one reported injury Monday for a grand total of 38 for the 11 day old fire. All injuries have been considered minor in nature. Structures destroyed remain at 21. Outbuildings destroyed number 33.

Significant demobilization of resources continues. From Sunday evening to Monday evening total personnel has been reduced from 3,171 to 2,502. Hand crews have dropped from 75 to 67, engines from 260 to 155, water tenders from 44 to 36, dozers from 27 to six, and helicopters from nine to seven. Air tankers are no longer needed for the suppession effort.

The Telegraph Fire reached a peak of firefighters on line with 4,541 personnel on site Friday evening, August 1.

Cost of fighting the Telegraph Fire to date currently totals $36,499,417.

Monday evening P.G.& E. planned on reenergizing the 70kv line restoring normal power to Yosemite and El Portal.

The only other fire in California not currently rated at 100 percent containment is the 1,000 acre Craig Fire near Lake Oroville in Butte County. This 1,000 acre fire is 30 percent contained as of Monday evening. Full containment is expected today. Cause of this fire remains under investigation.

Click CAL FIRE for a complete update on all California fires.

Written by Bill Johnson