COARSEGOLD — For the third time in 18 months, traveling on Highway 41 in Madera County, Jennifer Christensen desperately needed a fire extinguisher. Coming home from Community Regional Medical Center, where she’s a registered nurse in the Emergency Department, Jennifer spotted black smoke pouring from a vehicle parked at Black Hawk Lodge. She saw flames coming from the hood. Immediately, ...

OAKHURST — Are you interested in helping to save animals during the wildland fire season? Join the Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) at this free workshop to learn how you can become a team member. The “Introduction to the CCADT Volunteer Orientation Workshop” will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the California Highway ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – With temperatures expected to continue below freezing for the next couple of nights, it’s still not too late to insulate exposed plumbing and execute other measures to keep the disaster of burst pipes at bay. Residents who have not already done so are reminded to take precautions such as wrapping exposed metal or plastic pipes that carry water, ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — When fire leads to evacuation, you may have only minutes to react. Notified via text or phone call, or even by a knock on the door, at that moment, you’re expected to grab and go. Quick — where are your pets? What do they need? A little advance planning will reduce stress and increase your chance of ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – In light of the disastrous tree mortality and the profusion of vegetation (fuel!) after the winter rains, it is imperative for all people who live or work in Madera County – especially those in the foothills – to register or update their information for emergency contact. Madera County’s Emergency Alert System, also known as MCAlert, allows residents ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA – With a series of wet storms hitting Northern and Central California, now is the time to sign up for emergency alerts from the Sheriff’s Office. Residents are advised to do so now — it only takes a minute. In Madera County, MCAlert is used in the event of emergencies or natural disasters such as floods and severe weather, and ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — As the first storm of the season moves toward Northern and Central California packing rain and gusty winds, PG&E is urging all their customers to be prepared, have a plan and prepare for potential power outages, and above all, be safe. With the severe tree mortality in the Central Sierra, residents in foothill communities face serious dangers ...

Here is a classic example of how Owner Mitigation + Firefighter Hard Work = Success. Though the official fire season may be winding down in the next few months, finger crossed, preparation to ensure that your home is fire ready and fire safe is an ongoing task that is best accomplished in the wet and cooler weather. This dramatic photo ...

OAKHURST — The community of Sierra Sky Ranch is now officially recognized by Firewise Madera County as the Sierra Sky Ranch Firewise Community and Fire Safe Council for 2016. Firewise Madera County (FMC) is an outreach program designed to protect lives and property from wildfire through education. The program provides residents with the skills, tools and knowledge necessary to take responsibility and ...

YOSEMITE – The Merced River pushes past spectators with enormous gusto, as a wide area is cordoned off under the trees at Happy Isle Bridge. Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) teams are preparing to demonstrate swift water rescue techniques in order to convey a crucial message to the visiting public: stay safe out there. Click on images to enlarge. A ...