MADERA — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has announced effective 8 a.m. Friday, May 31, hazard reduction burning in Eastern Madera County is restricted below 2,000 feet in elevation. Hazard reduction burning above 2,000 feet is allowed with a valid permit from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Burn permits may ...

SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) meteorologists are forecasting that spring storms will impact its service area today and Thursday. PG&E meteorologists forecast a late spring storm moving into the service area beginning this afternoon, and they urge customers to take the necessary steps to be prepared and stay safe. Moderate to heavy rain is forecast to ...

“A pattern can be called a pattern only if it has been applied to a real world solution at least three times,” according to the rule of three. The power of three is universal, representing body, mind and soul. From three piece suits to tricycles and BLTs, wonderful things come in threes. And, as it turns out, if you try something three times ...

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 ...

NORTH FORK —  Residents who would like to take advantage of the Air Curtain Burner located at the Old Mill Site to dispose of woody slash materials are encouraged to do it sooner than later. Cal Fire will be suspending the acceptance of material on Saturday, Apr. 29. The Air Curtain Burners are available to help residents dispose of unwanted ...

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 ...