Melones Fire Contained, Mop-Up Continues

Firefighters continue their mop up today of a fire that started Saturday afternoon along the shores of New Melones Lake

The fire burnt around 75 acres of BLM and Bureau of Reclamation land. Flames at one time Saturday evening threatened homes in the Jack Ass Hill area near Mark Twain´s cabin.

Three firefighters sustained minor injured battling the fire.

Tuolumne County Fire Marshall Kary Hubbard said the fire was fully contained last night and they expect full control by 8 tomorrow morning.

She says access was a big issue. Fire crews used boats to get into some of the areas burning along the lake shore near the visitors center off Highway 49 at the bridge.

Cause is still under investigation.

Hubbard says six fire crews along with fire engines and firefighters are working at the fire today.