This is a Picture of the location of fire spread:
The cause for the fire is still under investigation. Of course with everything that is "still under investigation," there has to be someone jumping to crazy conclusions. Local fire Chief McNeil was speculating that the fire was likely to be caused by illegal marijuana growers. Jerry Snyder of the U.S. Forest Service says the area doesn't have the desirable water source to attract such plantations to the area; there has also been no evidence of marijuana growth in that area. Snyder explains things like an illegal campfire or steep areas causing a spark by falling and collision of rocks could be to blame. Snyder says that lightning as causation is ruled out.
Currently there is around 4,000 people working on putting out the fire. It is 80% contained and expected to be fully contained by September 20th (Just in time for my research trip to the area on the 21st!)
The Rim Fire right now ranks as the 4th largest in the state's history. According to East Country Magazine, 11 homes have been burned and thousands more are threatened.
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