New Years Fire Destoys Home On Fraguero Road

Sonora, CA — Fire officials say a loose ember from a fireplace is to blame for the total loss of a single family home off of Highway 49 early Sunday morning.

Craig Hart of the Tuolumne County Fire Department says crews and Sheriff´s Deputies responded to the home on Fraguero Road just after 12:30 to find the home´s tenant attempting to extinguish the fully involved house with a garden hose.

The Sheriff´s Department says Eldon Thompson was in a very dangerous area near a downed power line when deputies found him behind the house.

Thompson reportedly became combative when officers attempted to move him to safety. One deputy sustained a broken ankle in the ensuing struggle.

A total of five engines responded along with three water tenders. The sheriff´s deputy was transported to Tuolumne General Hospital.

Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the home and its contents.

Contact Eric Nelson at Eric Nelson