Coarsegold, CA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), in cooperation with California Highway Patrol, CAL TRANS, Pacific Southwest Research Station / Fresno State University, Private Landowners, and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, aim to reduce large conflagrative fires and high suppression costs, to the citizens of California, by conducting a prescribed burn along the Highway 41 corridor the week of May 24th.
Historically, this stretch of Highway 41 has proven to have more fires annually than anywhere else within the Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit (MMU).
The prescribed burn encompasses the eastside of Hwy 41 from the Madera canal (Mile Marker 6.95) to Rd 200 (Mile Marker 17.91) in O’Neals.
This project will help reduce the fire threat to unincorporated communities around Coarsegold, O’Neals and Hidden Lakes, which are isolated residential areas located
along the Highway 41 corridor.
The following days are scheduled if current weather conditions remain stable and resources are available do to fire activity:
May 11th– Rd 145 South / Avenue 15. (M.M 6.95 – M.M 9.25)
There should be little impact on Highway 41 throughout this section due to the large shoulder off Highway. This section encompasses from Ave 15 to Rd 145 There are no plans for slowing traffic or lane closures unless for an emergency.
May 12th – Rd 208 / Rd 145. (M.M 9.25– M.M 14.035) Burning will take place between 6:30pm till Midnight. There should be little impact on Highway 41 throughout this section due to the large shoulder off Highway. This section encompasses from Highway 145 North to the end of the new 4 lanes of Hwy 41. There are no plans for slowing traffic or lane closures unless for an emergency.
Please watch for crews and use caution when driving. There will be smoldering heavier fuels throughout the night with crews monitoring the fire.
This is a control burn so please do not report if you are in the project area.
For more information visit Fire.ca.gov
