Fork Fire looking down into South Fork from Cascadel turnout
NORTH FORK — Just before 6 p.m. today crews were called out to reports of a structure fire that had spread into the vegetation on Road 225 in North Fork, where power lines are down. The three structures where the fire began have been lost and 200 structures are threatened.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents of the Mill Compound, Douglas Ranger Station, Cascadel Road, Wakova Lane, De Na Lane, Tu Nobi Way, and Poy Ah Now Road.
Persons needing assistance with evacuation call 911. Sheriff’s deputies were going door-to-door along Douglas Ranger Station and Cascadel evacating people. 200 homes have been evacuated.
Cascadel and Douglas Ranger Station will remain on evacuation orders through the night, as will Road 225. Other areas have been reopened to residents.
As of 7:40 p.m. forward progress of the fire has been stopped at an estimated 20 to 30 acres. All aircraft have been released from the fire for the night as of 8:15 p.m.
A shelter has been established at the church in Yosemite Lakes Park. An Incident Command Post has been set up at the Old Mill site in front of the TANF building.
Sheriff’s deputies evacuated all boats in front of the dam at Bass Lake to give helicopters clear access to dip water buckets.
Resources from several different agencies are part of the suppression efforts, and continue to arrive at the Incident Command Post at the Old Mill Compound.
A hard closure is in place on Road 225 between Road 274 and Cascadel Drive.
9:20 p.m.: Madera County Sheriff has lifted evacuation for Wakova Ln, De Na Ln, Tu Nobi Way, Poy Ah Now Road. Cascadel and Douglas Ranger Station remain under Evacuation, and Road 225 remains closed as previously noted.
We will continue to update as information becomes available.
