SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Yesterday at 4:30 p.m., crews completed ignitions on the 237-acre Vincent prescribed burn on the High Sierra Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest (SNF). The day brought slightly warmer temperatures that allowed good burning conditions to complete the unit. This prescribed burn was first ignited on May 24, and took place near Cressman’s at the ...

MARIPOSA — Over 100 firefighters from the Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit participated in live fire training at Eastman Lake this week, ahead of what is sure to be a challenging fire season. The training was held May 22 and 24 as one component of Cal Fire’s summer preparedness drill, and included 25 engines, 4 crews and 2 dozers, along with ...

COARSEGOLD — A fire burning at the edge of Yosemite Lakes Park near the dam at Black Hawk Lake has been contained. Just before 4 p.m., as mop-up was being completed at the Garnet Fire on Road 400, firefighters were dispatched to the end of Patrick Avenue for another vegetation fire. A resident who was out for a run along ...

COARSEGOLD — “Just because it’s a burn day doesn’t mean it’s safe to burn.” It’s a warning given often by fire officials, but not necessarily heeded by residents. Firefighters responded today to yet another escaped burn pile, this one just outside Yosemite Lakes Park on Road 400 near Garnet Creek Lane. At about 2:20 p.m., crews were dispatched to the ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – The last thing you want to do while working to protect your home from wildfire is to cause one, or to be billed for suppression efforts made necessary by negligent actions, and unintended consequences. During the dry fire-prone months, mountain area residents are extra diligent in keeping the dry weeds cut and under control in an effort ...

BASS LAKE — Another escaped burn pile had firefighters responding just after noon today, this time in the Bass Lake area. Cal Fire Engine 4254 was at the scene within minutes of dispatch, at a home near Teaford Meadow, and found residents working on five burn piles. One of those piles had crept into a nearby woodpile. “These folks were ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – In light of the disastrous tree mortality and the profusion of vegetation (fuel!) after the winter rains, it is imperative for all people who live or work in Madera County – especially those in the foothills – to register or update their information for emergency contact. Madera County’s Emergency Alert System, also known as MCAlert, allows residents ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Firefighters have contained the Jerseydale fire, and are moving into mopup stage as some resources are being released. The fire was reported as an escaped burn pile at about 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, burning in Forest Service jurisdiction just off Jerseydale Road between Scott Creek and Plumber Creek Road. Sierra National Forest, Cal Fire, and Mariposa County ...

Here is a classic example of how Owner Mitigation + Firefighter Hard Work = Success. Though the official fire season may be winding down in the next few months, finger crossed, preparation to ensure that your home is fire ready and fire safe is an ongoing task that is best accomplished in the wet and cooler weather. This dramatic photo ...

YOSEMITE — Smoke visible to the north of the Oakhurst area in recent days is likely rising from the Lakes Fire in Yosemite National Park. The Lakes Fire in the Chilnualna Lakes area, between Turner Meadow and Buena Vista Peak, is a lightning caused fire that is being managed by Yosemite fire officials for multiple objectives. On Sept. 6, Yosemite ...