Firefighters making progress in battling Washington, Airola fires in Northern California

Firefighters are making good progress against the Washington and Airola fires, Cal Fire said in updates issued Sunday morning.

The Washington Fire, which broke out Thursday afternoon near Jamestown in Tuolumne County, was at 50% containment. The fire remained at 100 acres.

Roads were reopened and evacuation orders lifted in the area. The fire destroyed 17 structures, at least 14 of them homes.

Firefighters planned to continue line construction, line strengthening, mop-up and patrol, Cal Fire said. Authorities estimate full containment on Tuesday.

The Airola Fire broke out Wednesday in Calaveras County, near the Parrots Ferry Bridge.

On Sunday morning Cal Fire reported the fire was 65% contained. The acreage was lowered from 700 to 639 acres, due to better mapping, Cal Fire said.

Crews continued to work in steep terrain with limited road access in the area. Authorities also anticipate full containment of the Airola Fire on Tuesday.

This story was originally published August 29, 2021 at 7:44 AM.

Patty Guerra

The Modesto Bee

Patty Guerra is managing editor at The Modesto Bee. She has held several writing and editing roles since starting at The Bee in 1999. She’s a graduate of Fresno State.