COARSEGOLD — Firefighters made very good progress overnight on the Serpa Fire, burning just east of Highway 41 north of Coarsegold. The fire is holding at 80 acres with 50 percent containment. Crews continue to work hot spots, strengthen firelines and do mop-up. There are currently 26 engines, 5 dozers and 6 water tenders working the fire. Helicopters are operating ...

COARSEGOLD — As firefighters continue their work on the Serpa Fire, officials have lifted all evacuations for the remaining areas south of Road 420. As of 9 a.m., residents are being allowed to return home to the Cavin Lane/Mattie Fhy areas, plus Snyder Road and Paulsen Lane. Only residents will be allowed into the area, so please have IDs ready. ...

COARSEGOLD — The Sheriff’s Office has announced that they are allowing some of the residents evacuated due to the Serpa Fire to return home as of 10 p.m. tonight, Thursday, July 21. All residents living along Road 420 and the roads adjacent are now being allowed to return home. Only residents will be allowed in, the area is still closed ...

COARSEGOLD — Crews are still battling a vegetation fire burning on the east side of Highway 41 near Serpa Canyon. As of 4:30 p.m., the fire was estimated at 60 to 70 acres and crews hope to achieve 30 percent containment this evening. The fire was reported just before 1 p.m. this afternoon on the Veater Ranch north of Coarsegold, ...

COARSEGOLD — As of 4:30 p.m. firefighters have lines around 80 percent of the Serpa Fire. The fire is not yet contained but crews are making good progress. Air tankers are coming in one after another to drop fire retardant on the leading edge of the fire currently burning in heavy brush and now said to be 60 – 70 acres, in ...

MADERA COUNTY — It was standing room only as supporters and opponents of Vulcan Materials’ proposed Austin Quarry packed the Board of Supervisors chamber and the overflow areas last night ahead of the Planning Commission’s vote on the project. When the 6 p.m. meeting finally adjourned well after midnight, the Commission voted 3-2 to approve the 671-acre project, planned for ...

CALIFORNIA —  Removing dead and dying trees has become part of every property owner’s reality, and there are important things you need to know before proceeding with any tree removal project. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has issued these guidelines and answers questions about what you need to know before you remove — or hire ...

NORTH FORK — Building on the success of last year’s “Hot August Nights Classic Car Show and Street Party,” the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center are revving up for another fun-filled event, set to include the hottest classic cars, plus a San Joaquin Antique Flywheelers exhibition, live music, prizes, special guests, a host of food and craft ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector office will conduct an online tax sale, reoffering unsold parcels from the previous online tax sale conducted on May 23. The online tax sale reoffer will be held July 30 to Aug. 2, at www.bid4assets.com. This is an opportunity for any bidders who may have been interested in a parcel previously to ...

COARSEGOLD — Ladies of the Lakes and the Central Valley Blood Bank will host a Blood Drive at the Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse on Saturday Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone planning to donate is reminded to hydrate well and eat prior to giving blood. Donors are then invited to sit for a while in the resting ...