Tuolumne River Canyon Fire Update

Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire burning in very rugged Tuolumne River Canyon about 15 miles east of Groveland on the Stanislaus National Forest.

New estimates put the fire at 600 acres now.

The fire started yesterday morning near Cherry Oil Road southeast of Tuolumne River. Forest service spokesman Pat Kaunert:says the fire is only 5 percent contained and is burning very near the Hetch Hetchy Early Intake hydro-electric powerhouse and is moving from the river up towards Joe´s Point in that area.

Air tankers and helicopters are battling the fire this afternoon as well as hundreds of firefighters on the ground.

Smoke from this fire is drifting into the Sonora, Twain Harte and Tuolumne areas but at this time fire is not threatening any nearby communities.