MARIPOSA COUNTY – Just after 3 p.m. the Ferguson Fire spotted across the Merced River to the north and onto the Stanislaus National Forest at the north end of Ferguson Ridge in the river’s dogleg west of Cedar Lodge.
Helicopters were called in to work what was reported as two spot fires. The largest is now reported to be 250 – 300 acres.
Air tankers are en route from Columbia and Hollister to work the ridge higher up, as the canyon is too narrow for fixed-wing to operate safely.
Four ground crews and two engine strike teams (5 engines each) have been sent to Division A from other parts of the fire, along with any other resources available. Other engine strike teams have been called out for “immediate need.”
Fire officials have requested one VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) and four LATs to put some major retardant down ahead of the leading edge of the fire as it pushes up the steep canyon wall.
We will update this article as conditions develop and provide more information in tonight’s update on the Ferguson Fire.
