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Air tanker over Redinger Fire - photo Aleck Burton

Crews Making Good Progress On Fires Above Redinger Lake

NORTH FORK – Firefighters continue their work to contain at least two fires burning along Mammoth Pool Road (Forest Road 4S81) east of North Fork.

Investigators are working to determine what sparked several fires along the north side of the road just north of the Redinger Lake Overlook, about seven miles from North Fork.

The initial report at about 11:30 p.m. last night was that there were two separate fires, however it appears that there may have been about four starts. Three have reportedly burned together and are being called the Redinger Fire. That fire is about 1/4 mile north of the overlook.

The second is across the road from Campers Corner, about 1/2 mile northeast of the first.

Crews from the Sierra National Forest, Cal Fire and Madera County Fire are assigned to the incident which is located on Forest land. One strike team of engines from Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit and another from Fresno-Kings Unit are on scene.

In the initial stages of the suppression efforts, Madera County Sheriff’s deputies closed the road at the Redinger Lake Overlook, but as of this morning the roadway has been reopened.

Motorist should be aware that fire equipment is staged along the uphill lane, and with all the blind corners it is a dangerous drive for both the public and firefighters. Avoiding the area is the best option right now. There is hose in the road and large pieces of equipment are moving through the area.

By 8 a.m., the two fires were estimated at 170 acres with 20 percent containment.

By 9 a.m., crews had hose lay up both flanks of the Redinger Fire, and the Castle Fire was reported as “pretty well contained with no smoke showing.”

As the heat of the day hits the fire, managers will have a better idea of what it’s going to do, but things are looking good so far.

As of 8 a.m. there were 13 engines, 4 crews, 3 water tenders and 2 dozers working the incident, however additional resources continue to arrive at scene.

Air Attack arrived overhead just before 8 a.m., and air tankers and helicopters are dropping retardant and water.

Crews have been successful at keeping the fire on the north side of the road. No spot fires have been reported on the downhill side.

As of 6 p.m., the Redinger Fire is still holding at 170 acres and is 40 percent contained. We will update in the morning.

The cause remains under investigation.

For the original article on these fires, click here.

(Photos by Gina Clugston).

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