NORTH FORK – The cause of the Fork Fire, which burned seven acres along Road 274 near North Fork on Monday, has been released.
According to Cal Fire, a truck was pulling a dual-axle trailer when one of the tires on the trailer went flat causing sparks from the rim to ignite two fires just north of the Transfer Station.
Multiple calls to 911 at about 1:30 p.m. prompted the dispatch of engines from Cal Fire, Madera County Fire and the Sierra National Forest, along with air tankers and helicopters.
Engines and water tenders in the roadway, plus retardant and water drops from above, forced the closure of Road 274 until about 7:15 p.m.
Evacuation warnings were issued for nearby homes, but no mandatory order was given.
The fires were contained at 6:30 p.m. at a total of seven acres.
