COARSEGOLD — As of 4:30 p.m. firefighters have lines around 80 percent of the Serpa Fire. The fire is not yet contained but crews are making good progress.
Air tankers are coming in one after another to drop fire retardant on the leading edge of the fire currently burning in heavy brush and now said to be 60 – 70 acres, in Coarsegold near Mattie Fry Lane.
Dozers are working on the perimeter above homes to the north.
Helicopters and skycrane are also dipping and dropping water. Dozers are working on the south end of the fire and on the flanks to strengthen the fire lines. Sheriff’s deputies continue to go door-to-door to make sure everyone has evacuated and to take names and phone numbers for those who have refused.
One structure was immediately threatened by the fire.
The Red Cross is setting up a shelter at the Yosemite Lakes Park Church in YLP for residents being evacuated due to the fire in Coarsegold. Road 420 is closed at Road 223. A total of six air tankers are currently working fire.
The fire is burning down as far as Mattie Fry Road and Winners Circle in heavy brush and dead trees behind the homes. Residents are loading up their horses and leaving the neighborhood. Engines and crews continue to arrive at the scene.
Gusty winds are hampering efforts. Helicopters and air tankers are working to lay down water and retardant along the leading edge of the fire.
The fire started just before 1 p.m. today on Highway 41 near Serpa Canyon north of Coarsegold.
The entire neighborhood of Road 420 has been evacuated at this time including Hummingbird Lane, Veater Ranch Road, Sunset Circle, and Cavin Lane.
Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds are open for animal evacuation. Bring hay and a water trough.
Evacuation warnings for residents to be ready to evacuate have been issued for an area that spreads from Coarsegold to Bass Lake and Oakhurst.
Gusting winds are buffeting the fire burning in brush and trees on the east side of Highway 41. Air tankers and two helicopters are working the first. Hose lays are up on both flanks and the fire is holding on the ridge with the exception of some spotting on the southern perimeter.
The Sheriff says people should stay away from the area to leave the road clear for deputies to do their jobs and evacuate people, and to give clear access for those evacuated. Avoid Highway 41 between Coarsegold and Oakhurst to provide access for emergency vehicles.
