Telegraph Fire Reaches 20 Percent Containment

Mariposa, CA — The 32,063 acre Telegraph Fire has reached 20 percent containment as of 6am today.

According to Sierra National Forest Public Information Officer Sue Exline the fire is moving in a northwest-northeasterly direction into the Stanislaus National Forest. Its thrust toward Yosemite has been halted with the fire now 10 miles from the Park.

The fire is essentially burning away from structures. A top priority for the Incident Command staff is to return residents to their homes as soon as possible and that could take place this week.

The number of resources continues to increase with the use of 12 air tankers, 15 helicopters, 74 hand crews, 443 engines, 38 water tenders and 66 dozers. Cost is now estimated at $13.9 million.

Hwy 140 is closed to public traffic during daylight hours to allow crews to stage equipment in the area. In addition helicopters are flying low to draw water from the Merced River.

Written Bill Johnson