NORTH FORK — The Mission Fire continues burning along Road 233 and into Cascadel Woods. It has forced the evacuation of hundreds of people and is threatening about over 200 homes.
At this time, deputies have gone door to evacuate everyone on Road 233 (Cascadel Road) and all extension roads including Mission Drive and Peckinpah Acres, everyone in Cascadel Heights and Cascadel Woods, and residents along Road 225 in the vicinity.
The fire was reported just after 1 p.m., and at last report was 500 acres.
Three structures have been confirmed lost as of 3:50 p.m.
Mission Fire above Old Mill Site – photo by Robyn Flory
The incident commander immediately ordered a total of 7 air tankers, 4 helicopters and more engines. All of those tankers have been put on a “no divert” order for any other fires due to the immediate and serious threat to human life. A VLAT should arrive shortly from San Bernardino.
Eight dozers are also on order.
This fire moved very quickly. By 2:06 p.m., it had reached Cascadel Heights, and by 2:15, it was at the arches to Cascadel Woods.
There is only one way out of Cascadel Woods. Anyone unable to get out was sheltering in place in the meadow near the Clubhouse. The Forest road up to Whiskey Falls washed out during the winter rains.
An Incident Command Post is being established at Madera County Fire Station 11 at Old Mill Site.
As the fire builds, so do the clouds and the wind gusts. Thunderstorms have been predicted over the Sierra today as tropical storm Lidia sends moisture and unstable air our way.
PG&E has confirmed that all the power lines from Douglas Ranger Station to Cascadel have been deenergized.
Douglas Ranger Station Road has been closed to the public and the residents have been given an evacuation advisory to be prepared to leave if necessary.
The north side of Road 225 has been evacuated from Cascadel (Road 225) to Lark Lane.
A Red Cross Evacuation Center has been opened for this fire, the Railroad Fire, and the Peak Fire (which started at the same time) at Oakhurst Community Center on Road 425B.
Deputies have gone door-to-door to evacuate, and CHP is en route to assist with traffic control.
The Fresno Sheriff’s Office has been called in to assist.
We will update this article as conditions change.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
