MARIPOSA COUNTY – While firefighters are out on the lines working to contain the Ferguson Fire, there are folks working behind the scenes to keep the wheels turning and the motors running. Needless to say, equipment breaks down, tires go flat, vehicle accidents happen, and you can’t just call AAA. The job of Ground Support is crucial to the success ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — Here is an update on the four major fires burning in our area as of this morning. The Railroad Fire has not grown over the past 24 hours, and is holding at 12,407 acres. It is now 80 percent contained. There were no crews on the fireline last night. Thunderstorms brought about a quarter inch of rain over ...

FRESNO— During Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid one of these blazes. “The top reason for cooking fires is someone leaving the stove unattended while cooking,” said Daniela Aguilar, Regional Prevention and Preparedness Manager, ...

Eastern Madera County — On July 18, 2023, CAL FIRE named Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council (YSRCDC) the winner of Grant 5GA21213. The award recognizes the project Eastern Madera County 2023 Winter Storm Fire Hazard Mitigation, which aids residents’ properties with hazardous fuel reduction and defensible space clearing of storm-related wood debris from the severe winter storms of 2023, ...

NORTH FORK–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is responding to a vegetation fire in the 59000 block of Road 225 in North  Fork. Ground and air crews are responding. The initial reports are that it is 5 acres. This is the Whiskey Fire. We Will update this article when we have more information. More information can be found ...

SACRAMENTO — Today, the State of California will roll out a first-of-its-kind approach to curbing the state’s catastrophic wildfire problem by providing new protections for prescribed fire and cultural burning practitioners. The $20 million allocated for the “Prescribed Fire Liability Claims Fund Pilot” will cover losses in the rare instance that a prescribed or cultural burn escapes control. California Senator ...

OAKHURST–The local American Red Cross in Oakhurst has been selected to participate in a pilot “Wildfire Assessment” program for the residents of Eastern Madera County. This program is to assess Zone Zero (0 to 5 feet from your residence). Most structures that burn during a wildfire are the result of burning embers igniting combustible vegetation and other combustibles within Zone ...

MARIPOSA — A message from the Mariposa Community Foundation (MCS): The survivor victims of the Oak Fire continue to walk the long road to recovery. For many people, the start of that recovery includes acquiring access to basic necessities, including electricity to their wells for water, temporary housing for shelter, and the physical placement of water tanks. The Mariposa Community ...

SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is announcing the availability of up to $5.5 million in grant funding for Forest Health Research projects. CAL FIRE is soliciting applications for research in forest health and wildland fire science critical to the State of California that support landowners, resource agencies, fire management organizations, and decision-makers throughout the state. ...

SACRAMENTO — State Fire Marshal Michael J. Richwine announced his retirement from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Office of the State Fire Marshal, after a 42-year career, including 36 years with the Department. Chief Richwine was appointed State Fire Marshal by Governor Gavin Newsom on May 15, 2020, after serving as the Assistant State Fire ...