MARIPOSA COUNTY – The Bridge Fire, burning just off Highway 49 at Harris Road, is now estimated at 300 acres, with 10% containment. The fire 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 ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – Highway 49 is being reopened to one-lane traffic across the William Sell bridge where the Bridge Fire is burning. Fire equipment is lining the northbound lane, and motorists are urged to be patient and be aware of fire personnel along the roadway. Expect long delays. All road closures remain in effect for the Ponderosa Basin area, including ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – A vegetation fire reported just before 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, in the Chowchilla River canyon at Highway 49 is estimated at about 150 acres at this hour. A full wildland response was called up for the Bridge Fire, but as the first engines arrived, it became apparent that additional resources would be needed immediately. The ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – A fire burning in the Chowchilla River Canyon at the William Sell Bridge between Ahwahnee and Mariposa on Highway 49 has closed down the roadway in both directions. Currently estimated at 50 acres, the Bridge Fire was reported just before 1 p.m. today, and quickly spread through the dry vegetation. CHP and Cal Trans were called in ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is issuing an alert to all business owners throughout Madera County about a “fire inspection invoice” scheme now preying on the fears of both business owners and residents. At least one business in Eastern Madera County has already received such a bill, and it is a scam, says the Sheriff. If you receive an ...

Submitted by Roger Maybee MADERA COUNTY – Firewise Madera County is a program supported by the County of Madera Board of Supervisors. The program is designed to implement the Firewise Communities USA® program of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). The program goal is to save lives and property through wildfire preparedness for communities located in the Wildland Urban Interface ...

Submitted by Roger Maybee MADERA COUNTY – Firewise Madera County is a program supported by the County of Madera Board of Supervisors. The program is designed to implement the Firewise Communities USA® program of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). The program goal is to save lives and property through wildfire preparedness for communities located in the Wildland Urban Interface ...

MADERA COUNTY – Plan now to attend when the Madera County Master Gardeners host a free event for home gardeners and plant lovers on Saturday, Sept. 20. Master Gardeners will present a Garden Irrigation Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, covering irrigation basics, converting to drip, and preparing your irrigation system for fall and winter.

Submitted by Lynn Northrop of the Raymond Museum The man in this photo is Thomas Hill. The Raymond Museum History Mystery is…. Where did the famous American landscape artist, Thomas Hill, live in Raymond? Mr. Hill painted the very well-known depiction of “The Last Spike” about the joining of the east west transcontinental railroad and he painted many beautiful works ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – As Labor Day weekend approaches, friends and families will visit outdoor recreation areas throughout Madera, Mariposa and Merced counties. In anticipation of the increased outdoor activities, Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit is urging everyone to exercise extreme caution. The increase in fire activity this year, coupled with record-setting drought conditions, requires us to take every step possible to ...