RAYMOND — A escaped control burn north of Raymond this morning is a reminder that the recent snows have not brought enough moisture to prevent the unintended spread of fire as residents burn debris piles. As of noon today, firefighters are at scene of an escaped control burn in the Raymond area just off Road 600. Just after 11 a.m. ...

SACRAMENTO – Residents of the Central Sierra will soon see more crews on county roadways as new funding from Cal Fire helps with the removal of hazard trees. Six million dollars have been awarded in a one-time grant to aid high-priority counties impacted by California’s historic tree mortality. Cal Fire’s Local Assistance for Tree Mortality (LATM) Grant Program will provide ...

OAKHURST — Firefighters were called out just after 5 a.m. this morning for reports of a structure fire in the 38000 block of Golden Ball Drive just off Road 426. The first engine at scene reported heavy smoke and flames on one end of the single-story, 1500 square foot home. The two residents were asleep when the fire broke out, ...

COARSEGOLD — Firefighters battled a structure fire in the pouring rain this evening on Comstock Drive in Coarsegold. Just after 8 p.m., reports came in of a trailer on fire at the very end of the cul-de-sac. The first engine on scene reported a 500 square foot trailer about 50 percent involved, with no other structures immediately threatened. By 9 ...

CALIFORNIA — NBC television host Ellen DeGeneres is inviting local firefighters to attend a taping of her show as a way to say “thank you” for the service they provide, statewide. Ellen took time in her first broadcast of the new year to thank the people who responded to fires that threatened the Santa Barbara-area home she shares with Portia ...

BASS LAKE —  A woman in the Bass Lake Annex had her car stolen this evening, only to find that it had been wrecked less than half-mile from her house. Just after 7:30 p.m., residents along Road 222 just south of the Annex heard the sound of squealing tires, followed quickly by the noise of a crash, and called 911. ...

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has announced that information regarding the 2017-2018 California Climate Investments (CCI) grant funds is now available. Cal Fire is administering CCI grant funds to partners through grant awards aimed at helping the State reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. Up to $200 million is available through Cal ...

MARIPOSA — More than 90 personnel from the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) of Cal Fire have been sent to Southern California to assist with the massive firefighting efforts. They join the ranks of more than 5,700 firefighters currently on the front lines as six major wildfires continue their devastation from Ventura to San Diego County, forcing nearly 200,000 people from their ...

COARSEGOLD — Homeowners who lost everything they own in a house fire this morning are not letting the tragedy break their spirit – they’re just grateful that everyone is safe. Scott and Cindy Varnado live on Miwok Avenue in the Indian Lakes area of Coarsegold. Scott was out working on some plumbing in the garage when Cindy’s mom, Mary Norris, ...

MADERA COUNTY — A judgment handed down in Bass Lake Superior court today is a good reminder that citizens are responsible when their burn piles get away from them. A resident who lives in the 28000 block of Road 400 appeared before Judge Charles Wieland today in a case that involved an escaped burn on Nov. 3. The man admitted ...