COARSEGOLD – Firefighters have been called out for yet another vegetation fire burning along Highway 41 in the Coarsegold area. Highway 41 is currently closed at the Coarsegold Community Center on the south and Road 425C on the north.
Just after 3 p.m. reports began coming in to 911 of a fire on the west side of the road, north of Coarsegold and south of the Broken Bit – the same general area as a fire that closed down Highway 41 on Monday.
The first engine at scene reported the fire at about 1/2 acre, burning in grass and oak woodland.
A full wildland dispatch was called up, and CHP responded to provide any traffic control necessary.
At 3:16 p.m., the fire was reported at 2 to 3 acres and moving north.
At 3:21 p.m., CHP implemented one-lane traffic control.
New reports indicate the fire is on the east side of the road near the Veater Ranch. The map below shows the general area only. It is not the exact location.
At 3:43 p.m., Air Attack reported the fire at about 10 acres with retardant all the way down the right flank and across the head. The active part of the fire has been stopped.
At this point, the incident commander reported that a dozer had rolled over while working the fire. No obvious injuries to the operator, but EMS was requested to respond to check him out.
At 3:50 p.m., Highway 41 was shut down in both directions – at the Coarsegold Community Center on the south and at Serpa Canyon on the north. Estimate two hours for a hard closure.
At 4:01 p.m., the incident commander reported the fire at 10-12 acres, and the forward progress had been stopped.
At 4:38 p.m. the road closure was extended north to Road 425 C on Highway 41 and remained closed at the Community Center on the south.
At approximately 5 p.m. it was reported that the road would be closed for another three hours.
As of 5:30 p.m. the fire is holding at 10 acres and is 30 percent contained.
Investigators are at scene working to determine the cause of the fire.
We will update here as conditions develop.
