YOSEMITE — The fire burning near the community of Wawona is putting up a lot of smoke, but resources are on scene. The South Fork Fire is now estimated at 20-30 acres, and moving upslope to the northeast. There is no estimate of containment at this time. Access to the fire’s location is not possible with engines, but there is ...

YOSEMITE — A huge plume of smoke is visible for miles as a new fire is burning near the community of Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. The fire is reported to be burning at the South Fork of the Merced River drainage, south of Wawona Dome. The fire was reported just after 2 p.m. We do not have an acreage ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — One person is dead and another injured following a single-vehicle accident in the Bootjack area last night. Just before 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13, CHP responded to reports of a crash on Silva Road near Goins Way. A 2005 Saab was reportedly traveling on Silva Road when it left the roadway, hit a large boulder and ...

YOSEMITE — The Empire Fire, burning in the wilderness area of Yosemite National Park, is now estimated at 850 acres. There are currently 33 personnel assigned to the incident, who are continuing to improve hand lines where necessary and conduct firing operations as needed along existing lines. The southwest side of the fire continues to work its way south along ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — The lightning-caused Butte Fire, burning on the Sierra National Forest, is now estimated at 630 acres. Moderating fire behavior allowed firefighters to make good progress yesterday, achieving 40 percent containment. UPDATE: Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. – The fire is now estimated at 635 acres with 45 percent containment. The fire was first reported on Aug. ...

BASS LAKE — An arrest yesterday on Bass Lake is a reminder to all that the Madera County Sheriff’s Office is taking very seriously the issue of BUI — Boating Under the Influence. On Saturday at about 12:30 p.m., Boat Patrol deputies on the lake arrested a man for BUI, who was operating a personal watercraft with a minor passenger. ...

YOSEMITE — With smoke from the Empire Fire affecting many iconic views in Yosemite National Park, many may wonder why they are allowed to burn. Recent weather events have sparked at least seven lightning fires in the park — most less than one-quarter acre —  and those fires are all part of the natural ecology of the area, as was ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — The lightning-caused Butte Fire, burning on the Sierra National Forest, is now estimated at 570 acres with 15 percent containment. The fire was first reported on Aug. 7, and is burning in the Ansel Adams Wilderness north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and south of Cargyle Meadow. Initial suppression actions were successful ...

YOSEMITE — The Empire Fire, burning in the wilderness area of Yosemite National Park, is now estimated at 750 acres. Smoke from the fire continues to impact surrounding areas, especially in the morning hours. The fire is burning in red fir timber, dormant brush and hardwood slash, with pockets of green leaf manzanita and chinquapin brush as well as heavy ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Anyone wishing to help victims of the Detwiler Fire can still do so in several ways. The Mariposa Community Foundation will be distributing cash donations to those who lost their homes. They have set up a PayPal donate button on their website at mariposacommunity.foundation/MCF. You can also mail a check to MCF and note “Detwiler Fire” on ...