MARIPOSA – Due to the “extreme menace of wildfire and its potential to destroy life, property and natural resources,” Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) Chief Nancy Koerperich has suspended certain activities within the State Responsibility Area (SRA), including campfires and outdoor smoking. Due to current and predicted fire weather, the lack of precipitation, the dryness of vegetation, and the increased fire activity, ...

OAKHURST — The mountain area will be bidding farewell to our local CHP Commander Jason Daughrity as he accepts a new position in Sacramento as CHP Academy Director. “I’ve never been one to sit still for very long,” says Cmdr. Daughrity, who will be reassigned to the CHP Academy on Sept. 1. “In fact, I remember my 7th grade math ...

OAKHURST — After a head-on collision on Deadwood yesterday that ended with a 14-year-old being airlifted with major injuries, several of those who were on the scene when it happened have been asking for updates. One communication came in the form of a comment on the original article. “Any update on the condition of those injured? I was one of ...

PRATHER —  Firefighters held the Goose Fire at 1,800 acres overnight, and have now achieved 15 percent containment. Excessive heat, steep terrain and extremely dry vegetation have hampered fire suppression efforts, and heavy smoke can sometimes impact the air attack. The number of personnel assigned to the incident has grown to 1,328, including 99 engines, 28 crews, 9 helicopters, 12 ...

OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Office of the California Highway Patrol invites the community to be part of “National Night Out,” an annual event meant to bring together law enforcement officers, first responders, and the communities they serve in an informal setting. The festivities will take place in the parking lot of the old Blockbuster store in the Old Mill Shopping ...

PRATHER — As excessive heat, steep terrain and extremely dry vegetation hamper fire suppression efforts, the Goose Fire has now grown to 1,800 acres, still with just 5 percent containment. The fire continues to move to the southeast, and firefighters will work through the night to construct and strengthen containment lines. The number of personnel assigned to the incident has grown ...

PRATHER — The Goose Fire, burning just south of Prather off Gooseberry Lane and Morgan Canyon, is now estimated at 1,500 acres, and is still just 5 percent contained. About 200 structures are threatened, and nearly 300 homes have been ordered to evacuate. According to Cal Fire, “multiple” structures have been damaged, but none destroyed. There are currently 500 personnel ...

SAN FRANCISCO — As woody debris piles up from dead trees killed by drought and bark beetle infestation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has launched an expanded debris management program to support its customers in 10 counties severely impacted by California’s growing tree mortality emergency. PG&E is offering the expanded debris removal program to customers in Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, ...

NORTH FORK — As activity on the Fork Fire winds down, the only signs many will see of the recent burn are some charred trees along the roadway and the pink retardant painting trees, mailboxes and rooftops. The fire is now 90 percent contained at 38 acres, and crews continue to be demobilized to return to their home units, or head ...

PRATHER — The Goose Fire, burning south of Prather along Highway 168, has now grown to 1,000 acres with just 5 percent containment. The fire was reported at 2:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon in the area of Gooseberry Lane and Morgan Canyon (see map below), and has forced the evacuation of more than 300 homes and closed Highway 168 from Auberry Road ...