SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — From atop the mountain perch overlooking a vast expanse of green, eyes are carefully trained to spot the early tell-tale signs of forest fire. A wisp of smoke triggers a series of actions that can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. Want to be a fire lookout or know someone who does? Volunteers are now ...

SACRAMENTO – Once again California’s wet winter created a sizable crop of new grass growth, but don’t let the wet weather fool you as the abundant grass dries. It is fuel for wildfires. Now is the time to act to prevent wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom declared May 5-11 “Wildfire Preparedness Week” to urge homeowners that “California Wildfires Have Changed, Together ...

O’NEALS — Crews were called out at 1:30 p.m. today for reports of a vegetation fire on Sierra Oaks Lane off Road 211 in the O’Neals area. The first unit at scene reported the fire at two-to-three acres, burning in light, flashy fuel with roads on two sides. The incident commander reported that crews would be able to handle the ...

MARIPOSA – Recent rains and warm sunshine has fueled recent vegetation growth. The fire season is fast approaching and if vegetation is not managed it can create hazardous conditions for wildfire. Cal Fire’s Defensible Space Inspectors (DSI) are visiting homes within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) to enforce the Defensible Space code, Public Resource Code (PRC) 4291. It requires residents ...

NORTH FORK – Even with a quick response by firefighters, a home on Horn Road just off Bonnie B burned to the ground this afternoon. Just before 3 p.m., neighbors heard a strange noise and went outside to investigate. They saw the house next door completely engulfed in flames, and called 911. When the first engine arrived at scene, the ...

MARIPOSA – A Mariposa County resident is without a home after a fast-moving fire completely destroyed his house near the Mariposa Coffee Roasting Company last night. Firefighters were called out just after 7:30 p.m. to reports of a structure fire in the 2900 block of Highway 49 South. Within minutes, a Mariposa County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at scene and reported ...

NORTH FORK – Firefighters were dealing with temperatures in the low 20s and a deep blanket of snow last night as they responded to a house fire on Cascadel Lane. At about 10:30 p.m. on Monday, firefighters were called out to reports of a structure fire in Cascadel Woods just east of North Fork. A resident of the adjacent community ...

COARSEGOLD — With rain and snow clearly no deterrent when it comes to house fires, crews were called to the scene of a home burning on S. Lilley Way in Yosemite Lakes Park at about 2:30 p.m. today. Sandra and Ron McCart were inside their home when the fire started. Fortunately, the occupants and their dog Pecan Cowboy were able ...

BASS LAKE – Three people were forced out into the cold in the early morning hours today as a fire destroyed their home at Bass Lake. Just after 2:30 a.m., firefighters were called out to a structure fire in the 39000 block of Duck just off Road 432 on the north shore of the lake. Cal Fire Engines 4255, 4275, ...

MARIPOSA – Cooler weather and recent rains have prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) to transition into winter staffing levels as of Monday, Dec. 17, at 8 a.m. The transition to winter preparedness allows Cal Fire to release some seasonal firefighters, reduce staffing on fire engines and close certain wildland fire stations. ...