SIERRA FOOTHILLS — As cooler weather rolls in, the urge to torch off those burn piles is only natural. However, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Troy Cheek warns that the fire danger has not been mitigated, and a burn ban remains in place. “We don’t foresee the ban being lifted until well into November or December,” says Cheek. “We’re going to ...

MADERA COUNTY — With a Public Safety Tax proposed for a special election in March 2017, efforts to educate the public and gather feedback are well underway. Last night at a Town Hall meeting in Ahwahnee, Georgiena Vivian of VRPA Technologies, made a presentation about the proposed tax, why it is needed, and how the funds would be collected, administered ...

NORTH FORK – The intersection between North Fork and South Fork was the scene of an accident this morning, as one driver apparently failed to stop at the intersection of Roads 225 and 274. At 10:43 a.m., first responders were called out to reports of a two-vehicle crash at the 3-way stop near the Mono Museum. According to initial reports, ...

FRESNO COUNTY — Smoke is still visible across many surrounding communities as the Sacata Fire near Pine Flat Reservoir moves into its fourth day. The fire, which was reported at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, has now grown to 1,700 acres with 35 percent containment. Fire officials report that good progress has been made as crews work to strengthen ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — As the first storm of the season moves toward Northern and Central California packing rain and gusty winds, PG&E is urging all their customers to be prepared, have a plan and prepare for potential power outages, and above all, be safe. With the severe tree mortality in the Central Sierra, residents in foothill communities face serious dangers ...

MARIPOSA — Crews are on scene of a structure fire in Mariposa on Bullion Street between 6th and 7th streets. Just before 12:30 p.m. reports came in of a fire in a building, confirmed by the first engine at scene as smoke and flames showing from the attic. Law enforcement was called out for traffic control and PG&E has responded ...

NORTH FORK — Firefighters were called out just before 1:30 a.m. this morning for reports of a vegetation fire burning on Road 225 near Road 274. Cal Fire Engine 4290 was first at scene and reported the fire as burning in grass and brush on the northwest corner of the intersection, near the North Fork sign. Madera County Engine 11 ...

FRESNO COUNTY — The Sacata Fire, burning north of Pine Flat Reservoir in the Sierra National Forest, has now grown to 1,502 acres with just 5 percent containment. The fire was reported at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, and is burning in tall, dry grass west of Road 10S69 near Deep Creek, and east of Eagle Peak. There ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST —  Smoke can be seen from across the area from the Sacata Fire, burning near Sacata Ridge, located above Pine Flat Reservoir near Haslett Basin. The fire was reported at 1 p.m. and quickly grew to over 350 acres. It is currently burning in tall grass west of Road 10S69 near Deep Creek and is east of ...

NORTH FORK — Scouts of North Fork’s Troop 357 have continued to remain busy since their August backpack trip to Cora Lake. Mid-September found the troop on its annual trip to Yosemite National Park, where they spent the weekend. After setting up camp in the Wawona campground Saturday morning, the troop, along with their bicycles were transported to Yosemite Valley ...