Big birds working Motor Fire



The US Forest Service is using Erickson Skycranes to battle the advance of the Motor Fire on the south side of the Merced River. Dense smoke has made the operation precarious all day, although this afternoon the inversion has somewhat lifted, but that sparked increased fire activity. Look for further details soon.

Motor Fire lays down overnight



Saturday, Aug. 27, 10:10 a.m. – According to US Forest Service fire information officers, the Motor Fire burning in the Merced River Canyon layed down overnight and grew very little. They are still reporting 3,000 acres burned, which was the same number given at Friday mornings briefing. No structures have been lost and the first is burning north toward Trumbell […]

Motor Fire crests ridge above government housing area



The US Forest Service says the Motor Fire just crested the ridge above the Rancheria Flats government housing area. They plan to reevaluate the situtation in one hour to make a dertermination on evauation. No evacuation is ordered at this time (4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27)

Evacuations have begun of Rancheria Flats



Saturday, Aug. 27, 4:42 p.m. – Evacuations of the Rancheria Flats government housing area have begun as the advance of the Motor Fire in the Merced River Canyon is threatening structures. According to radio traffic, access to air tankers has been limited and is straining efforts on the ground. Watch for further updates here, and on our Facebook page.

Up-canyon winds drive Motor Fire



Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011 3:12 p.m. – The predictable up-canyon winds in the Merced River Canyon pushed the Motor Fire into the Moss Creek drainage, apparently delaying a planned back fire by the US Forest Service on the ridge above the NPS warehouse. Earlier reports indicated that Old El Portal would be evacuated, around 1 p.m., with the back fire […]

Highway 140 opens Tuesday morning



2011-08-25 E-Edition