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Douglas Fire - -photo Gina Clugston

Pickup Fire Spreads To Vegetation, Closes Douglas Ranger Station Road

NORTH FORK – A vehicle fire on Douglas Ranger Station Road spread into the vegetation, forcing the closure of the road this afternoon.

At 5 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to reports of a truck on fire on Douglas Ranger Station near Trails End Road.

Cal Fire, Sierra National Forest and Madera County Fire resources were dispatched, along with air tankers and helicopters.

Rancheria Engine 4255 and a Sierra National Forest engine were on scene within minutes and got to work getting water on the fire, which was burning up the slope on the east side of the road, about one mile north of Road 225.

By 5:15 p.m. the fire was reported at less than one acre.

Sky Crane over Douglas Fire – photo Carol Eggink

At 5:21 p.m., firefighters had a hose lay around the perimeter, but the incident commander wanted to make sure there were no spot fires before confirming that the forward progress had been stopped.

At 5:32 p.m., all resources en route were cancelled except for three engines, a water tender and the Mt. Bullion hand crews. One helicopter was continued for water drops.

CHP closed down Douglas Ranger Station at the turn-in to the fire station. The roadway is barely wider than one lane, and engines needed unobstructed access. Sheriff’s deputies responded in case any evacuations were required.

At 6:02 p.m. the fire was contained at .37 acres, with an estimated 2-1/2 to 3 hours for mop-up and control. Both Mt. Bullion crews were cancelled.

The fire was controlled at 7:45 p.m. and the roadway has been reopened.

The fire remains under investigation.

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