Sonora, CA…On Sunday, May 30th at about 1200, our office received calls of a fire behind a residence in the 500 block of Highway 49. Officers arrived on the scene and located a fire burning in an open field and burning towards Dane Lane and Highway 49. Officers evacuated nearby residences and conducted traffic control in the area. Thanks to the hard work and fast response from Sonora City Fire, Cal Fire, and Tuolumne County Fire, the fire was contained to half an acre and destroyed one outbuilding. Due to the joint effort of all involved, no one was injured.

The exact cause remains under investigation but improper disposal of ashes from a BBQ is being considered as a possible cause. Please make sure when grilling to follow these rules:
-Keep your grill clean and free of grease and fats
-Never leave the grill unattended
-Keep your grill away from your house, deck railings, eaves, and
overhanging branches, and vegetation.
-If using a charcoal grill, make sure that the coals are completely
cool before disposing them into a metal container.
-Never place your grill on combustible materials such as dry grass,
brush, or wood chips.

Source = Sonora PD