Telegraph Fire over 45% Contained

The Telegraph Fire is now about 45% contained and burning North and East into the Stanislaus National Forest. Most of the evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes. To date the fire has charred more than 33,705 acres and cost the state more than $10.6 million. The California National Guard joined the fight today bringing the number of personnel committed to fighting the fire to over 4,496. Current resources committed are:

• 466 Fire Engines
• 96 Hand Crews
• 64 Dozers
• 56 Watertenders
• 16 Helicopters
• 12 Airtankers

Yesterday a monster air-tanker joined the fight to dump thousands of gallons of water on the fire. The fire is burning by Jenkins Hill in the Merced River drainage with some areas flaring up as humidity dropped today while termperatures went up.

Highway 140 is being opened and closed based upon fire activity. Currently Caltrans is showing the road open but check the road conditions either on the Caltrans website (http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/) or by calling Caltrans (1-800-427-7623) before you head into the park on 140. You may still need to take 49 to Oakhurst and Highway 41 and then enter the park through the south entrance as fire conditions and operations continue tomorrow so check before you drive.