MADERA COUNTY — The Oakwood Fire, burning just west of Highway 41 off Road 209, is now estimated at 100 acres with 50 percent containment. The nearest address is 40988 Oakwood Road. (see map below)
The fire was dispatched at 1:22 p.m., and reported at about 20 acres when the first firefighters arrived at scene.
Oakwood fire retardant drop – photo Shandon Allen
There are currently 22 engines, 3 ground crews, 5 water tenders, 2 dozers, 3 air tankers and 3 helicopters assigned to the incident. The attack from the air has been intense from both air tankers and helicopters.
Several structures are threatened, and resources have focused on the protection of homes and buildings, while Air Attack directs retardant and water drops. A nearby pond is allowing helicopters to avail themselves of an immediate source of water.
Resources continue to arrive at scene, and there is now a request for a VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) if available.
Madera County’s Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) are being called up to cover stations left unstaffed due to engines being assigned to the Oakwood incident.
Additional air tankers are being called out as others return to base to refuel and reload.
As of 3:34 p.m., Air Attack reports retardant around the head of the fire, and a good handle on the part that jumped Road 209, with dozer line nearly around that perimeter.
Roads 208 and 209 are closed at Highway 41, and Road 209 is closed at Road 406.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
At about 4 p.m., another fire — this one at Hensley Lake — was reported.
We will update as more information becomes available.
