COARSEGOLD — The occupants of a home off Cavin Lane escaped the dense smoke of a house fire Sunday afternoon, but lost at least three of their beloved cats. Firefighters were called out to reports of a structure fire just before 3 p.m. The first responder to arrive at the scene reported heavy smoke pouring from all sides of the ...

COARSEGOLD — An overturned vehicle stopped traffic in both directions just south of Mecca Lane this afternoon. Just after 2:30 p.m., Madera resident Audelina Molina, 53, was southbound in a 2012 Toyota Camry, just after getting off work at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. For unknown reasons, she steered her vehicle to the right, where it ran up a steep ...

OAKHURST — Firefighters got a bit of a different assignment today when they were called out to convince a deer to get out of an in-ground pool on Road 426. Those who travel along Road 426 between Oakhurst and the Llama Ranch are very aware of the large population of deer who make a habit of grazing the lawns along ...

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest has released a correction on the status of campgrounds in the area, including those at Bass Lake. Little Denver Church and Denver Church picnic area on the Bass Lake Ranger District will remain closed due to hazardous tree removal projects that are still being completed to make the campground safer for the public. Gigantea ...

NORTH FORK — Law enforcement officials have just completed three days of marijuana eradication operations in the North Fork area, destroying over 73,000 plants being grown, for the most part, on public lands. A joint effort between the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, BLM and the California National Guard started on Monday, wrapping up ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Those headed to the mountains for the holiday weekend should be aware that fire restrictions are now in place for the Sierra National Forest. Higher temperatures, drier fuel conditions, a large number of dead and dying trees, and an increase in fire activity within Region 5 has led to this decision. Fire Restrictions Prohibit: • Open ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend and visitors are urged to arrive at the park very early to avoid potential traffic congestion and difficulties with parking. Visitors should plan on arriving at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...

YOSEMITE — Bears emerged from their dens in March this year and have been active throughout the park ever since. Recent observations have included bears grazing in roadside meadows and along hiking trails. Bear incidents this week have centered on activities by backpackers. Two incidents occurred in the Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Campground when bears got into food left unattended in ...

CALIFORNIA – With the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, everyone needs to be aware that fireworks are banned in all State Responsibility Areas (SRA) throughout California. SRA is the area of the state where the State of California (Cal Fire) is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires. SRA does not include lands within city boundaries or ...

MARIPOSA — An at-risk man missing from Mariposa since Saturday has been located and taken to the hospital, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. Just after 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from the family of Mariposa resident Ronald Hughes, 74, stating that Mr. Hughes was missing. The family reported that he was ...