NORTH FORK – Most residents in the North Fork area have now been allowed to return to their homes after being evacuated due to the Corrine Fire.
The fire, which started on Thursday, June 18, just after 9 p.m., is now estimated at 860 acres with 25 percent containment.
The percentage of containment does not mean there is only line around 25 percent of the fire; it means that incident managers are confident that 25 percent of the firelines are secure. The work to strengthen and reinforce the remaining perimeter continues.
Residents along Road 225 south of North Fork were allowed to return home this afternoon, some in the early afternoon, and those from Lark Lane to the Indian Creek Trailer Park, as of 6 p.m.
Those living on Road 222 between Carmen Ranch Road (just north of Corrine Lake Road) and Tunoi Place near Kerckoff Reservoir, are still under mandatory evacuation orders. This area includes Corrine Lake Road and everything east of Road 222 in the fire area.
There are currently 142 engines, 42 crews, 15 water tenders, 16 bulldozers and 4 helicopters assigned to the incident. All air tankers have been released.
The fire ran north a bit yesterday evening, crossing Corrine Lake Road and burning along the flume on the east side of Road 222 and around at least one home, which was not damaged.
There was also a spot fire in the early afternoon that ignited nearly 1.5 miles to the east and quickly grew to 25 acres, prompting the evacuation of Road 225 from Cascadel Road 233 to Italian Bar Road.
For those who may think that spot fire wasn’t a threat, this photo is looking east from Road 222. Road 225 is just over that ridge behind the trees red with retardant. It was still smoking at noon today.
Three outbuildings have been destroyed, and no injuries are reported.
Firefighters continued to improve existing line around the fire perimeter, as they deal with steep terrain and hot temperatures.
Mop up operations have begun within the fire perimeter, and as the fire activity decreases, fire resources are being made available for reassignment to other incidents.
Evacuation Centers have been set up by the Red Cross and are located at the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Highway 41 in Oakhurst, and at the Oakhurst EV Church, at 50443 School Road in Oakhurst.
An Incident Command Post has been set up at Minarets High School in O’Neals.
Cooperating Agencies on the Corrine Fire include Cal Fire, USFS, Madera County Fire Department, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, PG&E, Red Cross, CHP and additional resources from the Central Valley.
Residents who need more information can go to www.fire.ca.gov or call 209-966-4784.
