OAKHURST – Smoke could be seen rising into the sunset this evening just north of Oakhurst as a fire took off near Miami Creek.
Just after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, firefighters from the Sierra National Forest (SNF) responded to a fire that was estimated by those first on scene to be about an acre.
Burning in heavy, dry fuels, the fire grew quickly. Sierra National Forest Battalion 53 was first to respond, and the incident commander soon called for additional resources.
The fire was burning in an area very close to the dividing line between the Sierra National Forest and the State Responsibility Area, so Cal Fire was contacted to assist.
Madera County Fire Department Cedar Valley Engine 18 and Cal Fire Engine 4254, 4294 and 4214 all were called up about 30 minutes after the initial dispatch.
An air attack plane could be seen circling overhead, but it was nearly dark so any additional air resources were in quarters for the night. Ground crews would be handing this one on their own.
As darkness fell, additional resources continued to arrive on scene, including SNF Water Tender 1, SNF Engine 14 and Mount Bullion Crew 4.
Cal Fire Dozer 4245 went to work gouging a line around the blaze as the sun set and trees torched. The sound of trees cracking and dry fuels flashing could be heard from Forest Road 6S41, the closest access to the fireline.
At 9:07 p.m. the Miami Incident was declared contained at about 4 – 5 acres. Cal Fire and Madera County Fire crews will be released by midnight according the Mariposa Command Center, and SNF crews will stay on scene throughout the night and tomorrow to do mopup and monitor the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
(click photos to enlarge)
Again, YAY for our firefighters!!!!!