Two different fires keep crews scrambling today in Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties.
The “Highway Fire,” which started in vegetation next to Road 416 just south of the Chukchansi Casino off Highway 41, was called in at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21, and was quickly contained. Cal Fire crews had it contained and controlled within minutes of arriving on the scene.
Jim McDougald, Battalion Chief, assessed the fire at about a quarter of an acre. It was burning in dry grass right next to Road 416, about 1/2 mile west of Highway 41. More resources, including a dozer had been dispatched, but with such quick work by the initial attack crew, they were not needed, according to Cal Fire Command Center.
At about 1:45 p.m. the “Woodland Fire” was reported on Highway 49, approximately one mile south of Hirsch Road near Bootjack. Forest Service crews, Cal Fire engines, water tenders and dozers were all dispatched, and again the initial attack ground crews had the fire contained in a short time, and the fire was declared controlled at 2:17 p.m. Other resources were returned to duty stations.
The cause of both fires is unknown, and both burned only vegetation.
