Thunderstorms possible

Firefighters with Cal Fire’s Tuolumne-calaveras Unit and other agencies are warning people to properly dispose of barbecue charcoal fires. Forecasters expect highs in the 90s through this week, and afternoonevening thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday and Thursday at higher elevations in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Those storms could bring lightning strikes and gusting winds that could spark and spread new fires in dry conditions. Recent fires Tuolumne-calaveras Unit personnel have responded to include a grass-brush fire Monday afternoon near the 6500 block of El Camino Casale, near Howling Man Ranch, between Angels Camp and Murphys.

Firefighters responded on the ground about 4 p.m. Monday, and an air traffic control pilot responded from Columbia Air Attack Base. They contained the fire to about one acre.

Among the warnings Cal Fire staff are sharing for Mother Lode residents and visitors this week is advice on disposing of barbecue charcoal fires. Hot ash and coals can stay hot for hours and they can ignite trash can fires when people rush and overlook ensuring all ash and coals are cold to the touch before disposing.