AHWAHNEE — Firefighters are on scene of a vegetation fire on Road 600 just south of Ahwahnee, responding just moments ago.
At 2:14 p.m., crews were dispatched to the address of 39420 Road 600. First engine at scene reported the fire at 3 to 4 acres with a moderate rate of spread.
Text, email and phone alerts were sent out by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office for those in the area to be prepared to evacuate if necessary, as an early warning notification.
“This is a warning only due to wildfire. Monitor the situation and be prepared to take action immediately. Don’t wait for an evacuation order to leave if you feel threatened. If you’re in need of evacuation assistance, call 9-1-1.”
One structure is immediately threatened, and that home was evacuated, along with three more in the vicinity.
Two air tankers responded from Columbia, along with a helicopter, and a second helicopter out of Bass Lake.
Also assigned to the incident are 10 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 dozers, and a ground crew out of Mt. Bullion.
At 2:35 p.m., the Incident Commander ordered two additional aircraft.
CHP and Sheriff’s Office deputies and COPs are at scene or en route.
At 2:46 p.m., the incident commander reported the fire at 20 acres.
At 3 p.m. Road 600 was shut down in both directions between the Fresno River and Road 810 with evacuations in that area. Deputies and COPs went door-to-door on Apache Ranch Road evacuating residents.
An evacuation center was established at the Oakhurst Community Center located at 39800 Road 425B.
Mandatory evacuations were issued for both sides of Road 600 between the Fresno River and Road 810, and a notification was sent out by the Sheriff Office:
“Monitor the situation and be prepared to take action immediately. Do not wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened. If you are in need of evacuation assistance call 911.”
Additional water tenders were called out for a total of five on scene or on their way. Engines staged around homes for structure protection.
By 3:28 p.m. the fire had grown to 40 acres, burning in very steep terrain with areas of dense vegetation. The homes are spaced out through the neighborhood. No power lines are down, however, PGE has de-energized the lines.
As of 4 p.m., it was reported that crews were making good progress, despite gusting winds presenting challenges to firefighters, and threats to structures had been mitigated.
By 4:30 p.m. a Strike Team of engines from Riverside County arrived at scene.
As of 4:50 p.m. Road 600 was back open and all evacuations had been lifted. The fire was reported as 30 percent contained with no new update on acreage.
By 9:30 p.m. forward progress of the #GrubFire has been stopped at 85 acres and with 50 percent containment.
We will update this article on the Grub Fire as new information comes in.
