MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–The fall season in the Motherlode area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains often brings relief in the form of cooler temperatures, shorter days and an end to fire season. For Mariposa and Eastern Madera Counties this is not the case just yet. The Fork Fire and several lightning caused fires in Yosemite National Park continue to burn in and around our communities.
Fork Fire
The Fork Fire is currently 819 acres and 85% contained. The fire started on September 7, 2022 near the intersection of Roads 200 and 222 in North Fork. Peace Officers with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) have determined the Fork Fire was vehicle-caused. Fire activity on the Fork Fire is minimal. Crews continue to mop up and patrol. Damage inspections are 100% complete. Fire personnel and utility crews continue to mitigate hazards. Please use caution when driving.
43 structures were destroyed and 1 confirmed injury is being reported on the CalFire incident page.
Evacuation Orders:
All evacuation orders have been lifted.
Evacuation Warnings:
- MDC-88C: Road 228 from the North Fork Cemetery to the dead end
- MDC-101A: Southside of Road 225 from Cascadel Road to Lark Lane, Tu Nobi Way, Poy Ah Now Road
The American Red Cross of Central California has closed the evacuation shelter at Oakhurst Community Center.
Also, the Emergency Pet Shelter provided by the Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT), at the Oakhurst Community Center and the large animal shelter at the Coarsegold Road Grounds have both been closed and all animals returned to their owners.
Road Closures
All road closures have been lifted. The area still has a large amount of fire equipment please use caution.
The Fork Fire is being managed cooperatively by the following agencies:
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, PRCI, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Madera County Fire, USFS, PG&E, CCADT, Red Cross
Red, Rodgers and Lightning Caused Yosemite Fires
Firefighters “spiked out” on the #RedFire. Crews are being re-supplied by helicopters and by trail crews, allowing them to stay for multiple days on these remote fires. Photos by Kaleena Lynde, USFS
The Red Fire (8,309 acres) and Rodgers Fire (2,765 acres) are both being managed for multiple objectives. Trail closures are associated within these fire areas.
Lightning Caused September Fires
In the past week, Yosemite Fire and Aviation and partners have responded to multiple new lightning strikes in the park. No closures or evacuations are associated with these incidents at this time. All are or were less than 1/4 acre and have been contained or are being suppressed. No new fires were detected on Sunday, September 11, 2022, although lightning was observed in the park.
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