Written by John Nichols, Public Information Officer, Rough Fire – The Rough Fire has been burning for almost two months in rugged and diverse terrain on the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests and the Kings Canyon National Park. The fire started July 31 from a lightning strike. In the ensuing weeks, the fire grew to over 151,000 acres and at ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST  – As firefighters gain significant ground on the Rough Fire, demobilization continues and crews are being released to return to their home units or for reassignment to other incidents across the state. The state’s largest wildfire is holding at 143,599 acres, and is now 79 percent contained.  There are currently 935 personnel assigned to the incident, including ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – After nearly two months of long, exhausting days working in intense heat, dense smoke and dangerous conditions, firefighters are getting the upper hand on the Rough Fire. The fire is now 143,559 acres with 73 percent containment. There are currently 1,510 personnel assigned to the incident, including 27 crews, 77 engines, 12 helicopters, 11 bulldozers and ...

NORTH FORK – Firefighters responded to a fire on Road 222 near Corrine Lake Road south of North Fork at about 10:40 a.m. this morning. They quickly handled that fire, and were immediately diverted to another vegetation fire on Road 200 near the bottom of Walker Grade, about 8 miles west of North Fork. A witness stated that he saw ...

MADERA – Two mountain area juveniles have been arrested by Cal Fire Battalion Chief Bernie Quinn, and are now booked in Madera County Juvenile Detention Facility. The pair are suspected of starting the Sundance Fire near Oakhurst that closed Road 420 and prompted the evacuation of dozens of residents on the afternoon of Sept.13. The District Attorney’s Office will file a ...

O’NEALS – Just before 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, firefighters responded to a vegetation fire on My Way near House Ranch Road just off Road 200 between O’Neals and North Fork. First engine at scene reported 3-5 acres burning in grass and woodlands, with a moderate rate of spread. Madera County Engines 8, 10, 11, 15, 17 and Water ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Smoke was visible again today from the Rough Fire, due to tactical firing operations. Unburned pockets of fuel continue to burn with higher temperatures over the fire area. Firefighters will strengthen and hold containment lines during these operations to prevent escape. Rough Fire has burned within 250 yards of the General Grant – the 2nd largest ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The Rough Fire is now estimated at 141,491 acres, up only slightly from yesterday’s estimate of 141,201 acres. Containment remains at 68 percent. There have been 4 structures lost in the fire, and 7 firefighters have been injured. Details of those injuries are not available. Firefighter fatigue is continually being monitored due to the lengthy effects of ...

HUME LAKE RANGER DISTRICT & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK – The National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service are excited to share with the public the plan and timetable for the reopening of the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, the road between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (the Generals Highway), and parts of the Giant ...

YOSEMITE – The Tenaya Fire is now 100 percent contained at 415 acres. Total containment was achieved at noon yesterday, Sept. 16. Fire crews will continue mop up activities over the next few days. All trails have been reopened, however signs are posted warning hikers to stay on the trail while hiking adjacent to this fire. The Tenaya Fire is ...