MADERA – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is placing three County Emergency Plans out for public comment. The three plans are described as follows: Emergency Operations Plan: This plan is a framework document which outlines how the County will respond to an emergency. The EOP sets guidelines to manage a disaster in an effective, efficient, and timely ...

O’NEALS – Several fires that started along Highway 41 last Friday night serve as a good reminder to everyone that fire season is not over, and that keeping your vehicle in good working order is crucial to “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.” Just after 11 p.m. on Oct. 19, crews responded to reports of three fires burning along the ...

OAKHURST – Cal Fire is investigating a structure fire that started in an unoccupied home in Oakhurst this morning. Just before 8 a.m., crews were called out to a house fire near the end of Critter Creek Lane off John West Road. The first unit at scene reported smoke coming from both levels of the two-story home in the 50500 ...

MARIPOSA – Crews are at scene of a vegetation fire burning on Hummingbird Lane south of Highway 140. At 3:53 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to reports of a fire near 4880 Hummingbird Lane. The first unit at scene reported the fire at about 5 acres, burning in grass and oak woodland with a moderate rate of spread. No structures were ...

COARSEGOLD – A Coarsegold family was driven from their home last night by a fire that destroyed much of the 3,000 sq. ft. structure. At about 11:30 p.m., firefighters were called out to a home in the 45000 block of Windmill Road off Jennifer Lane. The first unit at scene reported that the structure was 50 percent involved. Firefighters first ...

SACRAMENTO – Today’s home fires burn faster than ever, says Cal Fire, and it’s time to Look, Listen and Learn during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time takes planning and ...

VALLEJO — U.S. Forest Service investigators have determined the cause of the Ferguson Fire to be vehicle-related. Specifically, investigators believe superheated pieces of a catalytic converter came into contact with dry, roadside vegetation, igniting the fire. The Ferguson Fire started on the evening of Friday, July 13, along eastbound Highway 140 near Savage Trading Post at 8:30 p.m. (South Fork ...

YOSEMITE – There are multiple fires burning in Yosemite National Park’s wilderness. Wildfires when caused by lightning are a natural phenomenon on the landscape, say park officials. “Fire managers work to restore healthy forests and reduce the threat of extensive, severe fire by allowing some lightning-ignited wildfires to burn. While hiking trails and sitting at vistas you may see smoke ...

AHWAHNEE – As mop-up continues on the Oak Fire, containment is now estimated at 90 percent on the 360-acre fire. All evacuations and advisories have been lifted. Crews continue to strengthen firelines as others are released to return home. The fire started on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 3:44 p.m. off Lonesome Oak Road north of Road 620. The cause of ...

AHWAHNEE – Mop-up continues on the Oak Fire burning northeast of Ahwahnee. The fire is estimated at 360 acres and is now 75 percent contained. All advisory evacuation notices have been lifted as of 9 a.m. today. Road 620 is now open without restriction. Fire personnel are still active in the area, so please reduce speeds and drive with caution. ...