Pinecrest, CA…Current Fire Situation: Fire burned moderately under the inversion this morning. The inversion lifted at 11 a.m., drastically increasing fire activity, with isolated torching. Several fire spots are becoming well established, making it difficult for crews to engage them. Fire spread from the fire is directly threating several small communities in a canyon with limited road access for evacuation. The fire has burned 1,750 acres, and 175 structures and 50 outbuildings are threatened.

As of 2 p.m. today the Tuolumne County Sheriff announced a mandatory evacuation from Clarks Fork to the Dardanelle Resort. An evacuation advisory has been announced from the Dardanelle Resort to Kennedy Meadows. The California Highway Patrol has been requested to assist the sheriff’s office with evacuations. So far 65 cabins and five large campgrounds in the Brightman Flat are under mandatory evacuation, while 88 cabins, two resorts and several large campgrounds are under advisory evacuations.

The Donnell Fire ignited at 5:49 p.m. Aug. 1, 2018 near Donnell Lake on Highway 108 east of Pinecrest. The fire has burned about 1,750 acres with active fire behavior and smoke outputs in two-foot high brush, timber litter and understory. The fire has crossed the Stanislaus River and is burning to the northeast.

The fire’s objectives includes firefighter and public safety; protection, maintenance and enhancement of natural and cultural resources. Firefighters are working to keep the fire north of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, south of Spicer, west of Bald Peak and east of Dome Rock.

Cooperating Agencies: Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control District, Caltrans.

Fire Information: The Tuolumne County Sheriff announced mandatory evacuations for homes on Clarks Fork, the Wagner housing tract, Forest Service campgrounds, Camp Liahona (Mormon Girls Camp) and the area between Clarks Fork and the Dardanelle Resort. There is an evacuation advisory for Highway 108 between the Dardanelle Resort and Kennedy Meadows. Highway 108 is closed at Eagle Meadow. We advise the public to avoid this area. Steep and rugged terrain would make escape difficult.

Weather conditions: Very dry fuel conditions will persist throughout the area and temperatures in excess of 100 degrees are expected to continue for the next several days. There are red flag warnings for winds. High winds, low relative humidity and a temperature inversion are making use of aircraft resources difficult.

Donnell Fire Update Time/Date updated: 9 p.m. Aug. 4, 2018

Status
Acres Burned: 1,750
Cause: Under investigation
Date Started: Aug. 1, 2018 5:49 p.m.
Percent Contained: 0
Expected Containment: None at this time
Structures Threatened: 175 structures, 50 outbuildings
Number evacuated: 200

Resources
Hand Crews: 4
Smokejumpers: 0
Engines: 16
Helicopters: 3
Air Tankers: 0
Dozers: 2
Other: Water tenders: 2
Total Personnel: 207

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