O’NEALS – Reports came in to CHP at about 6:35 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 19 of a single vehicle rollover accident, prompting the closure of Road 200 between North Fork and O’Neals, and igniting a vegetation fire.
All parties are reported to be out of the vehicle, and no major injuries are reported.
The road is closed due in part to what CHP reported just after 7 p.m. to be a “large fire” moving up the slope. Among the dangers are rocks that may fall down onto the roadway, and fire equipment staging in both lanes.
At approximately 7 p.m. the fire had grown to an estimated 3 to 5 acres. The incident commander projects it will be 4 to 6 hours before the fire is contained and controlled.
Road 200 is closed at the Finegold Creek Bridge on the north end and near House Ranch Road to the south.
Because the fire is burning in extremely steep, rocky terrain it can move quickly through vegetation leaving large rocks exposed, in peril of becoming dislodged and crashing to the ground. For this reason, and because of the presence of fire engines and other responders in the area, residents and travelers should not expect this road to open until the fire is completely under control, according to authorities.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution and watch for emergency vehicles in the vicinity.
More information will follow as details are known.
