O’NEALS – As of 1:40 p.m. crews have contained the fire along Highway 41 just north of Road 200 (North Fork Road), and anticipate three hours for mopup. One lane traffic control is in place due to an accident in the area.
At 12:35 p.m., reports of a vegetation fire in the O’Neals area called up a wildland dispatch that included Cal Fire and Madera County Engines and Water Tenders, plus air tankers, dozers, Mount Bullion crews and a helicopter to battle the blaze.
First engine on scene reported the fire at about one acre, burning in annual grass and oak, with winds at 3-5 mph through the area. The leading edge of the fire was immediately attacked by air tankers, while engine crews work the flanks.
Several resources were diverted from a car fire in the Lush Meadows area that was dealt with quickly, freeing them up for the O’Neals incident. Now resources are being release to respond to another fire on Highway 132.
CHP was called in to provide traffic control, however one accident was reported directly in front of the fire’s location on Highway 41.
Alternate routes are recommended, or motorists should expect delays as there are very long traffic backups.
(Photo by Alison Starkey)
