Oakhurst-area wildfire prompts evacuations, threatens homes

FRESNO, Calif. -- As many as 1,000 residents in the Oakhurst area have been evacuated due to a wildfire.

Evacuation notices have been sent to residents from Road 426 to Road 423, and to those who live on both sides of Road 426 from Courtney Lane to Road 420, according to the Madera County Sheriff's Office.

An evacuation warning has been issued to residents on Jean Road East, while people from Road 274 to Road 222 to the Bass Lake boat launch are on pre-evacuation notice, the sheriff's office said.

The so-called Courtney Fire, which started on Courtney Lane and Seven Hills Road before 2 p.m., has grown to 320 acres, Cal Fire reported. Firefighters are battling the flames on the ground, while planes drop fire retardant to stop the fire from spreading. The fire is burning at a moderate rate of speed in steep terrain.

As many as 400 structures are threatened. Cal Fire estimates 10 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

The blaze is zero percent contained. Cal Fire says the fire is human caused, but an investigation is still underway.

Residents can call (209) 966-4784 for updates on the fire and their homes.

Road closures:

- Road 426 near Suncrest to Road 223

- Road 222 to Road 432

- Road 222 at Road 426

- Road 223 at Road 420 (Thornberry)

Red Cross shelters set up for evacuees:

- Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Fresno Flats Road (OK to bring animals)

- North Fork Town Hall, 33060 Road 228 (OK to bring animals after 8 p.m.)