River Fire burning in Madera and Mariposa counties

For The Madera Tribune

Madera County Sheriff deputies work overnight alongside fire crews as the River Fire continues to burn in Madera and Mariposa counties.

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A fire that began at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday has burnt through 4,000 acres as of Monday morning.

The River Fire is five percent contained and has already destroyed one structure.

Firefighters continue to aggressively attack the fire while dangerous heat persists, according to a Cal Fire press release Monday morning. Extreme fire behavior, due to low fuel moisture and persistent drought, is a concern. Crews are working hard to construct and reinforce control lines. Damage assessment is ongoing.

Mandatory evacuations are called for in Madera County at roads 800, 810, 812 and 600 and Apache Road to 612 on both sides. Evacuation warnings are called for residents on roads 600, 612 and 415.

Mariposa County has also been issued evacuations on Indian Peak at Usona to Road 800, Oak Grove Road at Oak Grove School Road to Road 800 and Stumpfield from Leonard to the Madera County line.

Red Cross has been set up a the New Life Christian Fellowship Church in Mariposa.

Road closures in madera County consist of Road 613 to Road 800, Road 600 to Road 619 and Road 600 to Road 612.

There are currently 83 engines fighting the fire with nine water tenders, 12 dozers, nine hand crews, seven helicopters, numerous air tankers and 477 personnel.

Agencies from Cal Fire, Mariposa County Fire, Mariposa County Sheriff, Madera County Fire, Madera County Sheriff, Red Cross, PG&E, CHP, Merced County Fire, Madera Public Works and Mariposa Public Works are helping with the fire.