NORTH FORK — Displaced residents of Cascadel are once again watching as fire threatens their community, having been evacuated several times over the last few years. The Mission Fire fire is now estimated at 875 acres with 8 percent containment. There are currently 462 personnel assigned to the incident including 55 engines, 7 hand crews, 6 water tenders and 11 ...

NORTH FORK — The Mission Fire, which prompted the evacuation of Cascadel Road and the entire community of Cascadel yesterday, is now estimated at 825 acres with 5 percent containment. The number of structures destroyed has risen to five. We know that three of those are homes, but have no additional information on the other two. Approximately 250 homes were ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Smoke from the Railroad and South Fork Fire burning in both Madera/Mariposa Counties, the Empire Fire burning in Mariposa County, the Pier Fire burning in Tulare County, and all other surrounding wildfires have the potential to affect air quality throughout the entire San Joaquin Valley and foothills above, prompting Air District officials to issue a health cautionary ...

UPDATE Sept. 6, 11 a.m.: Due to the smoke and the fires in our area the Home Tour that was set to happen on Sept. 9 has been postponed, says the Bass Lake Lions Club. BASS LAKE — How many times have you looked longingly through the sun-drenched windows of a beautiful lakeside home and wondered what was inside? Now ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – As Labor Day weekend approaches, friends and families will visit outdoor recreation areas throughout Madera, Mariposa and Merced counties. In anticipation of the increased outdoor activities, Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) is urging everyone to exercise extreme caution in every activity. Wildfires continue to burn in California and much of the state remains at high risk for ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The Coarsegold Resource Conservation District (CRCD) is looking for a three-person firewood cutting crew to do some work made possible through a recently awarded grant, says Anne Melrose, Executive Director of the organization. “The job will entail working in several different locations, including North Fork, Oakhurst, Ahwahnee and Coarsegold,” Anne explains. “Downed trees and logs will be ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Oakhurst aggravated assault On Monday, Aug. 21 at 12:02 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the Mini Mart regarding an assault that occurred behind the Chevron Gas Station located within the 40000 block of CA-41. ...

MADERA COUNTY – Following are details from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of reports taken locally from Monday, Aug. 14, to Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017. Ahwahnee residential burglary On Monday, Aug. 14, at 6:38 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to the 59000 block of Road 601 regarding a residential burglary. Due to the lack of investigative leads, witnesses, and suspect(s) ...

BASS LAKE — Join friends for (Not Just) Jazz on the Lake as the band After Dinner Mints take the Gazebo stage at The Pines Resort on Friday, Sept. 1, playing a mix “jumpin’ jazz & blues with a heapin’ helpin’ of comedy.” The barbecue buffet will be available, along with a full bar. Doors open at 6:30 and music starts at 7 ...

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. ...