OAKHURST — A structure fire on Scenic Drive has destroyed one home, and is threatening several more as it showers the area with sparks.
At 9:48 p.m., firefighters were called out to reports of a fire in the Buckeye Road area just east of the Mountain House along Road 222.
The first unit at scene reported a 2,500 sq. ft. house about 25 percent involved, and 2-3 acres of vegetation burning. The home is situated on a very steep hill, with a rocky gully below and a steep hill on the far side.
Scenic Drive is a narrow, dead end road, and getting engines, water tenders and a dozer to the scene was difficult.
Seven Cal Fire Engines responded along with Madera County Engines 12, 14 and 18, Water Tender 18, and one Mt. Bullion Crew.
As the lack of water became an issue, more water tenders were requested, but they were all assigned to other fires.
Engines from the Indian Fire, which started at about 6:30 p.m. on Indian Peak Road west of Ahwahnee, were released from that incident and sent to the Buckeye Fire.
Also, water tenders were sent down from the Railroad Fire, and the firefighter on Engine 212 was sent to get Water Tender 14.
As power lines endanger firefighters, the incident commander requested PG&E respond. They are reportedly have a one-hour ETA.
Showers of sparks were shooting up from the burning home, and the chance of new fire starting was a very real possibility.
Three engines and Dozer 4245 were sent around to Nelder Heights Drive to be prepared for any spot fires uphill from the structure.
The roadway is so narrow, that engines staged all around the area.
Sheriff’s deputies went door-to-door notifying nearby residents of the fire.
As of 10:30 p.m., resources continued to arrive at the scene, as engines in the unit were moved to cover stations left unmanned by today’s fires.
At 11:50 p.m., two engines were released to return to their previous fire assignment.
At 12:25, the fire was contained and the incident commander estimated about two hours for mop-up.
It is not known if anyone was home at the time the fire started.
The cause is under investigation.
(The map below shows the address given to first responders. It does not necessarily mean that is the house involved. It is only included to show the area of the fire and the road it was on).
