COARSEGOLD — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), in cooperation with California Highway Patrol, CAL TRANS, Pacific Southwest Research Station/Fresno State University, private landowners, and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, aim to reduce large conflagrative fires and high suppression costs, to the citizens of California, by conducting a prescribed burn along the Highway 41 corridor the week of May 24, 2022.
Historically, this stretch of Highway 41 has proven to have more fires annually than anywhere else within the Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit (MMU). The prescribed burn encompasses the eastside of Hwy 41 from the Madera Canal (Mile Marker 6.95) to Rd 200 (Mile Marker 17.91) in O’Neals. This project will help reduce the fire threat to unincorporated communities around Coarsegold, O’Neals and Hidden Lakes, which are isolated residential areas located along the Highway 41 corridor.
The following days are scheduled if current weather conditions remain stable and resources are available do to fire activity:
May 11th: Road 145 South/Avenue 15 (M.M 6.95 – M.M 9.25)
There should be little impact on Highway 41 throughout this section due to the large shoulder off Highway 41. This section encompasses from Ave 15 to Road 145. There are no plans for slowing traffic or lane closures unless for an emergency.
May 12th: Road 208/Rd 145 (M.M 9.25– M.M 14.035)
Burning will take place between 6:30 p.m. until midnight. There should be little impact on Highway 41 throughout this section due to the large shoulder off Highway 41. This section encompasses the area from Highway 145 North to the end of the new four lanes of Hwy 41. There are no plans for slowing traffic or lane closures unless for an emergency.
Please watch for crews and use caution when driving. There will be smoldering heavier fuels throughout the night with crews monitoring the fire. This is a controlled burn so please do not report if you are in the project area.
For more information visit www.fire.ca.gov.
