COARSEGOLD — Firefighters were called out to a report of several fires along Highway 41 near the Black Hawk Lodge at approximately 1:44 p.m. today.
First at scene was local Assemblyman Frank Bigelow, longtime volunteer firefighter out of O’Neals, with Madera County Engine 17 and Water Tender 17, reporting a small spot fire at one-quarter of an acre on the east side of the road.
Other engines not needed for suppression efforts were sent south on Highway 41 as far down as the 22 Mile House, and no other fires were found.
At 2:10 p.m. the fire was contained and all other resources not already at scene were cancelled, including Air Attack and helicopters.
Traffic northbound was backed up past Road 200 as engines blocked the roadway.
As of 2:15 p.m. one-lane traffic control was put in place. The cause the fire remains under investigation. As of 2:30 p.m. one lane traffic control is still in place and traffic is moving slowly.
