MARIPOSA COUNTY – Crews made good progress on the Bridge Fire overnight, achieving 25% containment on the fire which is still estimated at 300 acres.
The Bridge Fire is burning just off Highway 49 at Harris Road, and was reported at 12:39 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5.
Evacuations remain in place for homes on Harris Cutoff Road, Chowchilla Mountain Road and all of the Ponderosa Basin area.
There are currently 91 engines, 22 fire crews, 22 bulldozers, 4 helicopters and 8 air tankers assigned to the incident, for a total of 746 personnel.
One injury has been reported so far, and Cal Fire is reporting no structures lost. There continues to be a threat to the Ponderosa Basin community.
CHP is still escorting traffic through the fire area on Highway 49 over the William Sell bridge, one lane at a time. Be prepared for delays and watch for fire equipment in the area. Traffic control is at Worman Road on the south, and Chowchilla Mt. Road on the north.
Access to the fire is difficult due to steep terrain, and firefighters have experienced extreme fire behavior conditions due to drought and low fuel moisture.
An evacuation shelter has been set up at the New Life Church located at 5089 Cole Road in the community of Bootjack.
The Incident Command Post for the Bridge Fire has been set up at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.
Cal Fire is in Unified Command with the Mariposa County Fire Department and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.
Cooperating Agencies include Cal Fire the U.S. Forest Service, the California Office of Emergency Services, Mariposa County Fire Department, Merced County Fire Department, Madera County Fire Department, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, PG&E, the Red Cross, the CHP and local government resources within the Central Valley.
Residents of Mariposa County are urged to register for the Sheriff’s emergency alert system. Click here to sign up.
Madera County residents can register at MCAlert.
The cause is under investigation.
We will update as more information becomes available.
