MARIPOSA COUNTY — Just after noon today, reports began coming in of a fire in the Jerseydale area of Mariposa County, just north of Bootjack and Darrah Road near the Jerseydale Fire Station north of Wild Dove Lane.
Once the first personnel arrived at scene, they reported the fire at about one-half acre, burning in heavy timber with lots of heavy downed material, a moderate rate of spread and one structure in the immediate vicinity.
Resources were called up from the Sierra National Forest, along with Cal Fire engines, Mariposa County Fire, air resources and one engine out of Yosemite.
Due to the heavy vegetation and potential for spread, additional resources were called out, including dozers and more water tenders. One aircraft was overhead early on, and two helicopters are on order, with requests of additional air resources.
Resources on the “Dove Fire” as of 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, include 12 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 type one Hotshot crews, 2 air tankers, 2 helicopters, one air attack and 3 dozers. There are currently 100 personnel assigned to the incident, which is estimated at 30 acres.
This is how the day has unfolded at the Dove Fire, and the Chowchilla Fire, which was reported just before 1 p.m.:
By 12:38 p.m., reports began coming in that the Dove Fire was spotting out ahead of itself, with at least two additional ignition spots. A strike team of engines was placed on order by dispatch.
Dove Fire – photo by Roy Freitas
At 12:40 p.m., aircraft overhead reported that the fire was well established in the timber on the west facing slope, now at 3 to 5 acres, with a potential to grow to 400 to 500 acres.
Crews and resources continued to be dispatched and arrive at scene. The public is advised to avoid the roads in the vicinity to allow safe and clear access for incoming fire apparatus.
At 12:50 p.m., reports came in of a new fire, this one in the Ponderosa Basin between Chowchilla Mountain and Watt Extension Road, about 6 miles to the southeast of the Dove Fire. More resources were called up for this new fire, dubbed the “Chowchilla Fire,” and reported to be 3 to 5 acres, burning in grass and woodlands, moderate rate of spread.
At 1:05 p.m., additional engines and dozers were dispatched.
At 1:10 p.m., two air tankers were ordered out of Porterville, and one more helicopter. Inquiries being made about the availability of a VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker).
1:35 p.m. – Two air tankers will be overhead by 1:47 p.m. The Dove Fire Incident Commander has ordered 3 additional dozers.
At 1:40 p.m., an update on the acreage estimated the Dove Fire at 20 to 30 acres. Tanker 95 arrived overhead, IC reports flames have reached the top of the ridge, and will be hit by air tankers.
At 1:48, the IC on the Chowchilla Fire notified dispatch that the fire was contained at just over two acres, hose lays around the entire perimeter. He released many of the resources to be available for other fires as needed. Estimate for control and mop-up is three hours.
At 2:02 p.m., Air Attack was released back to Fresno from the Chowchilla Fire.
At 2:14 p.m., the Dove IC requested the Sierra Hotshot crew be dispatched to the fire.
At 2:16 p.m., the Emergency Command Center called out five Cal Fire engines to form up at the Jerseydale Fire Station as a Strike Team for the Dove Fire.
As of 3:40 p.m., crews are still fully engaged in suppression efforts on the Dove Fire.
No homes are threatened at this time, no evacuations are ordered, and Highway 49 is open. Roads in the immediate vicinity of the fire may be closed due to efforts to keep emergency access clear. Please be aware of emergency vehicles traveling to and from this incident.
We are updating this article as conditions change. Refresh your page for updated information.
