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O'Neals Fire - photo Glen Martin III

O’Neals Fire Now Estimated At Nearly 100 Acres

O’NEALS – A vegetation fire burning in the O’Neals area has now grown to an estimated 90 to 100 acres, according to the latest report.

The fire was first reported at about 5:43 p.m., with smoke visible from Deadwood near Oakhurst and as far away as Friant and north Fresno.

As crews head into the night shift, lower temperatures and higher humidities should help with suppression efforts.

All aircraft have been released from the incident.

The first unit at scene reported the fire at 20 to 30 acres and noted that access to the scene would be challenging.

The Battalion Chief immediately requested two additional air tankers and a full wildland dispatch, increasing the tanker request to five within minutes.

When Air Attack arrived overhead at 6:11 p.m., they reported the fire at 45 acres, burning in oak woodland and grass, active on all sides, with at least one structure immediately threatened.

The Incident Commander then requested two more Type 3 Strike Teams (10 engines), two more dozers and four additional hand crews, however multiple fires across the Unit mean some resources are committed to other incidents.

At 6:27 p.m., the size of the fire was estimated at 60 to 70 acres, with a spot fire off to the north about 1/4 mile.

At 7 p.m., the fire had reached the top of the ridge at Topping Ranch Road, and was reportedly slowing as it hit the road.

At 7:20 p.m. it was reported that the fire had burned completely around a radio tower, but there was no damage to the installation.

The latest estimate on the fire is 90 to 100 acres with 5 percent containment, and the head of the fire was still holding at the Topping Ranch Road at last report.

No structures have been lost and no injuries reported.

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Sierra News Online

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