Fire In County Building Under Investigation

Fire officials estimate damages and loss from the blaze that leveled the County Roads Department Building Sunday morning in Tuolumne City will hit the $1-million mark.

Firefighters needed about an hour to contain the blaze in the 2,500 square-foot structure. Fire crews arrived shortly after 10:30 a.m. to find the 1930´s vintage building fully engulfed in flames. A total of seven vehicles and miscellaneous parts were lost. Crews kept the fire from spreading to nearby auxiliary buildings and a propane tank. They got some help from neighbors at the scene, who provided Gatorade and other liquids to keep the crew hydrated.

Thirty-three firefighters from Tuolumne City Fire Protection District, Tuolumne County Fire, Twain Harte Fire and CDF worked the blaze.

Fire Department Spokesperson Deborah Fish says another $2-million was saved by protecting the adjacent buildings, including the Tuolumne City Branch of the County Library. No one was hurt. The cause of the fire is under investigation.