Crystal Falls Home Destroyed By Flames

A home was completely gutted by a fire this afternoon on American River Drive in the Crystal Falls area east of Sonora. Firefighters on the scene just before 1 p.m. Friday say the residence was fully involved. Thick smoke filled the area.

Fred Wood lives nearby. He had just driven down the street when he saw the flames. Wood says he parked his car and then yelled to neighbors to call 911. He and another neighbor grabbed a garden hose and starting spraying water on the fire. But, he says, the small stream of water wasn´t much good in battling the intense flames ripping through the wooden two-story residence.

Tuolumne County firefighters were able to put out the fire without the flames reaching nearby trees or other structures. Fire officials say the main home is a complete loss, but quick action by firefighters saved a “mother-in-law building” right next to the burning house.

No one was home at the time. There were no injuries. Cause of the blaze is under investigation.