OAKHURST – The Sky Fire continues to burn in the mountains northeast of the community of Oakhurst. It has consumed an estimated 538 acres since yesterday when it was reported just after noon, and is currently 15 percent contained.
The fire still has a potential of growing in the next couple of days, say fire officials.
Approximately 200 personnel are currently assigned to the incident with a mix of Forest Service engines, fifteen Cal Fire engines, several hotshot crews, three air tankers, and a helicopter.
Firefighters are dealing with tough conditions such as high temperatures, heavy fuels, steep slopes, drought stressed vegetation and high tree mortality which leads to torching and spotting. More resources are still en route.
There has been no indication that any of the facilities along Road 632 have been lost, including Calvin Crest, private camps or Nelder Grove.
Evacuations have been issued for nearby campgrounds. The Sky Ranch Road (Road 632) remains closed as are all roads leading into the fire area until further notice. The South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team will take over command at 6 p.m. this evening.
The Sky Fire is located on the Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District and was caused by a truck pulling a trailer that caught fire and burned to the ground yesterday at 12:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.
The fire is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Oakhurst.
The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center and is located at the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Highway 41 in Oakhurst.
We will update after the 6 p.m. briefing at the Incident Command Post.
