COARSEGOLD – A fire in the Coarsegold area on Tuesday is a reminder of just how dry conditions are, and how cautious residents need to be, even this early in the season.
Just after 1 p.m., on Mar. 18, firefighters responded to reports of a vegetation fire just west of Highway 41 near Road 425C.
Madera County Fire Department Engines 12 and 212 responded, along with Water Tenders 13 and 16, one crew from Mt. Bullion and Cal Fire personnel. CHP also staged in the area to provide any needed traffic control.
The blaze consumed about one acre of vegetation, and embers floated up into the air, igniting trees as they landed. Crews had the fire contained at 1:50 p.m., and remained on the scene for several hours to do mop-up.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Cal Fire Prevention Specialist Karen Guillemin says this demonstrates just how dry everything is, and she urges residents to use caution when doing any type of burning.
Cal Fire has also asked property owners to clear their defensible space early this year. With drought conditions and continued dry weather, it is more important than ever for residents to be prepared.
For more information on preparing for wildfires and defensible space visit: www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
