OAKHURST – The Courtney Fire was called in at 1:36 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. At this time, CAL FIRE has reported that 320 acres have burned and the fire is 0% contained.
Battling the blaze are 30 fire engines, 11 fire crews, 14 bulldozers, 6 helicopters, and 9 air tankers with 400 personnel on scene. No injuries have been reported; 10 structures have been destroyed.
Evacuations include 400 Structures with approximately 1,000 residents living in the northern part of Oakhurst and Bass Lake. Evacuation Centers are located at the North Fork Town Hall and the Oakhurst Community Center.
Pet shelters are currently available at the Oakhurst Community Center and North Fork expects to have a pet shelter available at 8 p.m.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The fire is burning at a moderate rate of spread with a continued threat to the Bass Lake community.
Access to the fire is difficult due to steep terrain and several structures in the interface. Firefighters are experiencing extreme fire behavior conditions due to drought and low fuel moisture.
Residents should remain cautious of fire personnel and equipment working in the area.
The Courtney Fire is said to have started in a residential neighborhood on Courtney Lane off Road 426, spreading quickly up the ridge toward Bass Lake Heights and jumped the road, heading down the back side of the mountain toward Bass Lake.
Road Closures:
Road 426 near Suncrest to Road 223
Road 222 to Road 432
Road 222 at Road 426
Road 223 at Road 420 (Thornberry)
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, CAL OES, Madera County Fire Department, Madera County Sheriff’s Department, PG&E, Red Cross, CHP and Local Government Resources within the Central Valley.
