OAK FIRE: Recent Dead Tree Removal Slows Spread Of Tuolumne County Blaze

TUOLUMNE COUNTY (CBS13) — The billowing smoke from the Oak Fire could be seen from miles away, but Cal Fire says it's gaining ground on what could have been a disastrous fire.

The fire serves as a reminder that the worst isn't over yet, and triple-digit temperatures are driving the point home.

The Oak Fire broke out just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday off of Old Ranch Road and Big Hill Road in the Cedar Ridge Area. It has burned 100 acres and is 20 percent contained.

The blaze was stopped in its tracks almost as quickly as it raced uphill toward the Old Oak Community Center.

"At the beginning we were worried it was gonna make its way here; it was close and big," said Joe Delarosa.

Workers helped 250 people that were part of a pastor's group evacuate. Farther up the road, about 20 staff at the Sierra Outdoor School had to leave, too. Thankfully, no students were at the science school.

Firefighters used air and ground attacks to gain the upper hand on the fire burning in rural Tuolumne County.

"It's really firefighters' worst nightmare: limited access, steep terrain, heavy fuels, four years of drought," said Battalion Chief Barry Rudolph.

Though one home burned, dozens more were saved. Roger Alderman is thankful his mother's home is still standing as flames crept within 100 feet of it.

"It was definitely a traumatic experience for her, absolutely," he said.

He says firefighters wasted little time getting here.

Another major factor that limited the spread of the fire was a tree removal last week where 170 trees killed by drought and beetles were taken out by crews.