COARSEGOLD – Once again tensions are rising at the Chukchansi Gold Casino between the factions struggling for control, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office has stepped in to ensure that law and order is maintained. Though details of the situation are not being released, deputies and CHP officers have been sent to the location on Highway 41 near Lucky Lane. ...

OAKHURST – The 612-acre Junction Fire is now 75% contained, and crews continue to make substantial progress on line reinforcement. Hot spots are still present throughout the burn area, and crews are focusing their efforts on getting those eliminated and mopping up 300 feet inside the line.

MADERA COUNTY – The Courtney Fire, Junction Fire, and the French Fire serve as critical reminders to everyone to be prepared before disaster strikes. Sheriff John Anderson reminds all residents to register for MCAlert and to be aware that disaster can strike within seconds. Be it natural or man-made, everyone should always keep a to-do and what-to-take list at hand. ...

OAKHURST – A home on Road 620 was badly damaged this evening when a fire, not at all related to the Junction Fire, broke out in the living room. A full wildland and structure dispatch was called up when reports came in about 7 p.m. of smoke at a residence just off Highway 41.

OAKHURST – Firefighters continued to make good progress on the Junction Fire today, improving containment lines and doing aggressive mop-up on interior hot spots. The number of damaged and destroyed structures has been updated and increased, as a damage inspection team surveyed the burn area to assess the property loss.

YOSEMITE – Entrance fees in Yosemite National Park will be waived for all park visitors on Monday, Aug. 25, in celebration of Founder’s Day, the birthday of the National Park Service (NPS). This year, the NPS will be celebrating its 98th birthday, and Yosemite’s superintendent would like to invite everyone to visit the splendor in their own back yard.

OAKHURST – Cal Fire is advising that all road closures and evacuations are being lifted for the Junction Fire. Road 222 and the east side of Highway 41 are being reopened. Area schools that are closed today will be open for business tomorrow. There is a large amount of fire equipment still in the area, and residents are advised to ...

OAKHURST – Firefighters have stopped the progress of the Junction Fire at 612 acres, and reached 40% containment. Crews will be working today to strengthen lines and attack hot spots throughout the burn area. At the morning briefing today, there was discussion of expected thunderstorms and rain over the crest of the Sierra, but neither is expected to impact the ...

OAKHURST – Firefighters continued to make steady progress today on the Junction Fire, which is estimated at 612 acres with 35% containment. Aggressive firefighting, in addition to lower temperatures, a rise in humidity and less wind provided an opportunity to increase containment lines, and secure those already in place.

OAKHURST – Firefighters have made significant progress on the Junction Fire, and residents are being allowed to return to their homes and businesses in the main part of town. Cal Fire warns that the potential still exists for critical fire behavior, and also cautions motorists to be aware of fire equipment and personnel working in the area.