COARSEGOLD – Quick work by firefighters saved the homes of several residents along Road 400 on the west side of Yosemite Lakes Park this afternoon.
At 3:48 p.m., resources were dispatched to the fire on Cornerstone Court off of Road 400.
The first unit at scene reported the fire at about 1/2 acre with a moderate rate of spread, burning in brush and trees with structures immediately threatened.
A full wildland dispatch was called out, including Air Attack, two air tankers and two helicopters.
By 4:03 p.m., the fire had grown to one acre. Two structures were immediately threatened, and firefighters went to work getting hose lays around them.
At 4:11 p.m., the fire jumped to the east side of Road 400 and burned about 1/2 acre along Best Way before dozers got a line around.
Gusty winds proved a challenge for firefighters as the flames moved quickly through the tall, dry grass, burning right up to the road in front of homes along Cornerstone Court.
At 4:29 p.m., the fire was estimated at 15 acres. Both flanks were holding well as the fire burned toward the river.
CHP responded to provide traffic control, and Madera County Sheriff’s deputies prepared for evacuations.
Though no threat from power lines was detected, PG&E was called out in an abundance of caution.
By 4:46 p.m. the forward progress of the fire had been stopped. It was still estimated at 15 acres, and the threat to structures had been mitigated.
A soft closure was put in place for Road 400 between Cindy Way and Cornerstone Court, and only residents were permitted to enter that area. The closure was lifted shortly after 6 p.m.
At 5:52 p.m. the Cornerstone Fire was contained and with more accurate GPS mapping, was called at 11.4 acres. Another five hours was expected for mop-up and control.
Photos by Gina Clugston.
