DOG ROCK FIRE UPDATES:
UPDATE 4:53 P.M.
Fire investigators say the Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite National Park was caused by sparks generated from hot metal fragments from a vehicle, according to a statement released Thursday. The sparks could have been the result of a trailer safety chaing dragging on pavement or vehicle brake parts generating a spark.
As of Thursday afternoon the fire had burned 250 acres, with containment holding at 10 percent. There were 200 personnel workign the incident, according to the National Park Service.
ORIGINAL STORY - 10:46 A.M.
(AP) -The Dog Rock Fire burning in Yosemite National Park has burned 245 acres and is 10 percent contained.
Meanwhile, the body of an air tanker pilot killed while fighting the fire has been removed from the crash site and turned over to state fire officials.
Courtesy of the family of Geoffrey "Craig" Hunt / Cal Fire Facebook
KFSN-TV reports that a procession accompanied the pilot's flag-draped body down a highway on Wednesday, a day after the crash. An honor guard was on hand as it was turned over to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials.
The pilot, a contractor who worked for Calfire for more than 13 years, was identified as 62-year-old Geoffrey "Craig" Hunt, of San Jose. He died on Tuesday when his air tanker crashed into a steep canyon wall.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but officials say the weather at the time was clear and the winds were calm.
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