Update: Murphy Fire Forward Rate Stopped
Update at 3:45 p.m.: Stanislaus National Forest spokesperson Diana Fredlund updates that all aircraft have been released from the scene. There is no containment at this time and what sparked the blaze is under investigation. The forward rate of spread remains stopped.
A special thanks to our community partners Bruce Lodge, Aaron L. Smith, Frederick Maurer for sending in photos.
Update at 1:30 p.m.: Firefighters are getting a handle on a 4-5 acre vegetation fire in the Stanislaus National Forest that ignited east of the community of Tuolumne. Stanislaus National Forest spokesperson Diana Fredlund says the Murphy Fire is burning on both sides of Cottonwood Road, near Murphy Peak. She updates, “The forward progression has been stopped. Crews are laying hose around the perimeter of the fire. We are still seeing some spotting. They are doing some mopping up and monitoring until they’re sure that the fire is completely out.”
What sparked the blaze is under investigation, according to Fredlund.
Update at 12:14 pm: Stanislaus National Forest spokesperson Diana Fredlund says the Murphy Fire is around 4-5 acres in size and burning on both sides of Cottonwood Road near Murphy Peak. Air and ground resources are on scene trying to stop the spread. CAL Fire has sent all air resources from Columbia to assist, as well as two engines, two hand crews, and a dozer.
The CHP has been asked to respond to Cottonwood Road to provide traffic control.
Original story posted at 11:50 am: Tuolumne, CA — Air and ground resources are responding to a vegetation fire in the Stanislaus National Forest that ignited east of the community of Tuolumne.
Forest Service Spokesperson Diana Fredlund says the Murphy Fire is burning on both sides of Cottonwood Road near Murphy Peak. There is currently not a size estimate. We’ll pass along more information as it comes into the news center.
A special thanks to community news partner Bruce Lodge for submitting a photo. Pictures can be e-mailed to news@clarkebroadcasting.com.
