(KMJ) The wildfire burning near Oakhurst and Cedar Valley continues to burn and billow thick smoke into the air.
As of Friday morning, the blaze, called the “Sky Fire”, had charred more than 500 acres. Containment is at 15%, according to fire officials.
Iveth Hernandez of the U.S. Forest Service said Friday that no homes are being evacuated, yet.
Cedar Valley is located in the mountains east of Merced, California along Highway 41, a popular route for visitors to Yosemite National Park. The park is not threatened.
Hernandez says the truck pulling a trailer went up in flames Thursday afternoon, spreading to dry brush nearby.
Hundreds of firefighters are on the scene battling the blaze.
Photo Credit: GoldRushCam.com
The Sky Fire and two others burning in the Sierra have also prompted a health warning from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District which released the following statement:
“Three wildfires, Sky and Corrine Fires in Madera County and Triangle Fire in Mariposa County, have prompted local air officials to issue a health cautionary statement for smoke impacts in the eastern portions of Merced, Madera and Fresno Counties. The caution is in place until the fires are extinguished.
Smoke from fires produces fine-particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks, and increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.
People with existing respiratory conditions, young children and elderly people are especially susceptible to health effects from these pollutants. Air District officials urge residents to follow their doctors’ orders when exposed to fire emissions.”
