NORTH FORK – A fast moving fire burning on the Sierra National Forest between North Fork and Bass Lake started today at about 2 p.m. Residents are lining Road 274 taking photos and video of the huge tower of smoke rising about the Willow Creek drainage.
Road 274 between Old Central Camp Road and Central Camp Road is closed, along with Central Camp Road itself and everything east of Road 274 between those two roads.
The Marina View Subdivision is being notified to prepare to evacuate. Deputies have evacuated Whiskers Campground, Gaggs Camp, and Central Camp. Mandatory evacuations have now been ordered on Douglas Ranger Station Road starting one mile south of Willow Canyon Road, and going north. There is an advisory from that point south to Road 225.
The fire is said to be about 140 acres and moving to the northeast, towards Browns Meadow. Reports from the fireline indicate that winds may be pushing the fire back into itself, which would give firefighters some assistance as they work to stop the forward progress.
Air attach, air tankers and three helicopters are working the fire. Helicopters are dipping out of Bass Lake and spectators are being asked to leave the dam area for the safety of everyone involved.
An incident command post has been set up at the Old Mill Site in North Fork.
Early reports indicate the fire started near the end of Willow Canyon Drive across from Douglas Ranger Station Road near the Armstrong Ranch.
