NORTH FORK – Wednesday Sept. 9, 2020 – A strong weather inversion is expected to continue moderate fire activity on the west side of the fire by holding smoke over the area which is providing shade and a buffer from the gusty winds at higher elevations. Hand crews and equipment operators are making progress constructing containment lines from the San Joaquin River northwest toward Castle Peak southeast of North Fork. Dozers continue to work to reduce vegetation and burnable materials in the vicinity of structures at Cascadel Woods and to the north along the western fire flank.
The Red Flag Weather Warning has been extended through 8 pm Wednesday Sept. 10, 2020. High temperatures, low humidity and high winds will persist in the area continuing extreme fire conditions.
The Madera County Sheriff continues to safely evacuate citizens, enforce evacuation notices and maintain road closures near the south western fire front to protect the public.
The temporary evacuation center for Madera County has been relocated from the Oakhurst Community Center to the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.
Damage inspection teams are in the process of evaluating structures and categorizing information. With 360 structures destroyed, 278 mixed commercial/residential (all structures are included in this category until further details available), 60 are single residences, 20 minor structures and 2 commercial structures.
With an expected full containment date of October 15, 2020 there are currently 879 personnel on the Creek Fire consisting of 84 engines, 32 water tenders, 9 helicopters, 14 hand crews, 38 dozers and an additional 181 support staff.
All evacuation orders and Road closures are still in effect and will remain so until further notice.