MARIPOSA COUNTY–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit has lifted burn permit requirements in Mariposa County — Effective Monday, December 19 at 8 AM. The burn permit requirement in Mariposa County will be lifted and residents will be able to resume burning on permissible burn days. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and winter weather have helped ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY– The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has released body cam footage and additional information related to the Deputy involved shooting that took place last week on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022. We had reported here that Mariposa County sheriff deputies were on the scene of a deputy-involved shooting. The incident took place on Frank Wilson Rd near the First ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Holiday fun awaits you and your family this weekend with several local events scheduled. You can bring your kids out to breakfast with Santa, donate some toys for tots and enjoy the lighting of the town Christmas tree while caroling and enjoying some holiday treats. ALL IN ONE DAY! Breakfast and Photos with Santa   Sponsored by – Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis, ...

OAKHURST–The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Oakhurst Area is coordinating “Be A Santa to a Senior” for local seniors who are residents at Oakhurst Healthcare and Wellness, Oakhurst Board and Care, and John C. Fremont Long Term Care facilities. Drop-off locations are located throughout the area to collect socks, games, decks of cards, dominos, books, calendars, coloring books, pens, pencils, highlighters, ...

SACRAMENTO–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Wood Products and Bioenergy Team awarded $14 million in new grant agreements this week. These projects will increase California’s capacity to establish healthy, resilient forests through workforce and business development. The 10 new awards (link to awards list) will go to non-profits, family businesses, wood products manufacturing facilities, and county ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–Officials for Yosemite National Park (YNP) recently announced that reservations to enter the park during peak hours will not be required for 2023. Reservations were required in the summers of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic as earlier reported here. Summer 2022 Reservations were also required in the summer of 2022 when numerous key visitor attractions were ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK— Yosemite National Park (YNP) has recently experienced widespread precipitation and snow accumulation which has led to the closure of the fire season. The closure of the fire season occurs when there is a season-ending precipitation event totaling two inches or more. This also allows for residential pile burning to return.   Helicopter 551, Yosemite’s helicopter that was ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Every year I hear the same questions about chain controls in our communities. Do I have to carry chains? What do R1, R2, and R3 mean? My vehicle is four-wheel drive, do I still need chains? Keep reading for the answers to these questions and more. During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Now that we’ve had a taste of rain and cooler weather we know that winter is on the way. For our communities this can mean flooded roads, power outages, downed trees, and other emergencies. Continue reading the rest of this article for tips on ways to keep you and your family safe this winter. As always, Sierra News Online ...

SACRAMENTO–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced today the addition of a new demonstration state forest and more than 1,200 acres to its demonstration state forest system. Acquisition of these areas continue to increase opportunities for forest restoration, critical research, and public recreation, and build upon the valuable role of California’s demonstration state forest system to ...