SANTA MARIA – Station KEYT is reporting that a Battalion Chief returning home from the Railroad Fire has died following a traffic accident. Oscar Flores says Los Padres National Forest officials announced that Santa Lucia District Battalion Chief Gary Helming was killed in a car crash early Thursday morning, Aug. 31, while returning home from an assignment on the Railroad ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Smoke from the Railroad and South Fork Fire burning in both Madera/Mariposa Counties, the Empire Fire burning in Mariposa County, the Pier Fire burning in Tulare County, and all other surrounding wildfires have the potential to affect air quality throughout the entire San Joaquin Valley and foothills above, prompting Air District officials to issue a health cautionary ...

FISH CAMP — After a night of very active fire behavior, crews had their work cut out for them today on the Railroad Fire, especially in the northeast section. A heavy layer of smoke once again blanketed the area, but by about 11 a.m. the inversion had lifted on the south, and temperatures were headed to triple digits and winds ...

FISH CAMP — The Railroad Fire was very active overnight, pushing to the east along Jackson Road (6S07), and to the southwest behind Westfall Ranger Station. The fire is now estimated at 1,901 acres. Yesterday’s estimated containment was 5 percent, but with the fire pushing out on so many parts of the perimeter, the containment is likely negligible at this ...

FISH CAMP — Erratic wind events, numerous spot fires, and limited air resources presented challenges for firefighters today on the Railroad Fire. The fire is now estimated at 1,200 acres with 5 percent containment. However those numbers are estimates and will change after tonight’s flyover. As of this morning, there were 350 personnel assigned to the incident including 26 engines, ...

FISH CAMP — As temperatures rise, fire activity is increasing on the Railroad Fire burning near Fish Camp. By 8 o’clock this morning, crews were reporting flame lengths of up to 100 ft. in some areas. Firefighters moved in to cut line around the community of Fish Camp, and helicopters focused their bucket work on that area and the northeast ...

FISH CAMP — In a surreal juxtaposition of fire, rain, lightning and smoke, the management team on the Railroad Fire gathered at Batterson Work Station at 6 a.m. to go over the day’s objectives and operations plans. With more accurate overnight mapping, the fire is now estimated at 920 acres with 5 percent containment. There are currently 350 personnel assigned ...

YOSEMITE — While the threat to the community of Wawona from the South Fork Fire has been mitigated, residents and visitors are being told to make pre-evacuation plans in case the Railroad Fire continues its march north. The South Fork Fire is now estimated at 5,191 acres with 44 percent containment. There are currently 101 personnel assigned to the incident. ...

FISH CAMP — The Railroad Fire has forced the closure of Highway 41, the evacuation of hundreds of residents and visitors, and continues to grow. The fire is now estimated at over 1,000 acres, with spot fires out ahead of the blaze, and a potential for up to 5,000 acres, with zero percent containment. It is moving toward the park ...

FISH CAMP — The Railroad fire continues to grow as fire managers have difficulty getting large air tankers over the incident. As of 2:45 p.m., the fire was estimated at 300 acres, with spot fires out ahead of the blaze, and a potential for up to 5,000 acres. It is moving toward the park boundary. Three structures have been lost. ...