Fire near Oakhurst contained as evacuation warning is lifted

An evacuation warning around the ECCO Conference Center north of Oakhurst was lifted after a fire near Highway 41 was quickly contained.

The Sunday afternoon incident was the result of a control burn escaping control lines. It charred 1.2 acres before its forward progress was stopped, according to an official from Cal Fire, which assisted the U.S. Forest Service.

Traffic was briefly stopped on the highway due to smoke. A smoke column was visible from Oakhurst.

The evacuation warning, for a one-mile radius around the conference center, was issued by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents were told to be prepared to take immediate action, and if feeling threatened to evacuate rather than wait for a mandatory order. Those with pets or livestock were told to leave immediately, given the extra time needed to account for the animals’ safety.

This story was originally published April 18, 2021 at 2:23 PM.