Rim Fire Reaches 40 Percent Containment

—By Bay City News Service

The Rim Fire wildfire in the Stanislaus National Forest is now 40 percent contained, the U.S. Forest Service reported Saturday evening.

The fire, which started the afternoon of Aug. 17, had burned 222,777 acres as of this evening and destroyed 11 buildings including 11 residences, according to fire officials.

More than 5,000 personnel are working on the fire, which has cost $60 million so far and caused five injuries.

While firefighters are making some progress against the blaze, officials said warmer weather forecast for the next few days could slow their efforts.

The fire is currently not expected to be completely contained before Sept. 20, according to the Forest Service.

The blaze has grown steadily since its start and is now considered the fifth largest wildfire in the state's recorded history, said Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant.

Nearly 5,000 firefighters are working to protect an estimated 4,500 structures threatened by the flames.

In addition to camps, the fire has threatened the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, a key part of a water system that supplies 2.6 million customers in San Francisco and around the Bay Area, and damaged hydroelectric plants in the area owned by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

Water quality at Hetch Hetchy remains good, in part because the reservoir is surrounded by granite and limited brush.

While some ash has hit the surface of the water, drinking water is withdrawn at 260 feet below the surface, according to the SFPUC.

Water officials are also moving additional water from Hetch Hetchy into local reservoirs as a precautionary measure, maximizing water storage in the event that the Hetch Hetchy becomes unusable.

Two power stations owned by the SFPUC in the area remain offline due the fire. Repairs have been completed at the Kirkwood Hydroelectric Powerhouse, while the Holm Hydroelectric Powerhouse sustained fire damage to its roof.

The Moccasin Powerhouse remains in service.

Power transmission lines are being cleaned before they are re-energized, and crews are working to clear trees near them that could be hazardous, officials said Friday.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.