California wildfire grows to 320 acres, forces evacuations

FRESNO, CA -- As many as 1,000 Madera County residents have been evacuated due to a wildfire.

Residents in the northern part of Oakhurst and a section of Bass Lake near Road 222 were evacuated Sunday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.

People who live north of Recreation Point of Bass Lake -- including World Mark, Slide Creek, Ridgeline and Cowboy Trail -- have been allowed to return to their homes, the Madera County Sheriff's Office said.

The so-called Courtney Fire, which started on Courtney Lane and Seven Hills Road just before 2 p.m., has grown to 320 acres and is 20 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Firefighters are battling the flames on the ground, while aircraft drop fire retardant to stop the fire from spreading.

Fire officials estimate 21 structures have been damaged or destroyed. About 400 structures remain threatened.

There is still a continued threat to the Bass Lake Heights area. Firefighters say the main task right now is to secure the fire lines. On Monday, they plan on assessing all the damaged properties.

Gov. Jerry Brown has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help fund firefighting efforts.

Cal Fire says the fire was caused by someone. Whether that was an accident or on purpose is still under investigation.

No injuries have been reported.

A Cal Fire spokesman says he isn't aware of any planned school closures for Monday. That could change overnight into the morning hours depending on the behavior of the fire.

Residents can call (209) 966-4784 for updates on the fire, their homes and property.

Road closures:

- Road 426 between Courtney Lane and Road 223

- Road 222 between Road 432 (Recreation Point) and Road 426

- Road 426 between Road 222 and Road 223

Red Cross shelter set up for evacuees:

- Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Fresno Flats Road (OK to bring pets)

People evacuating large animals are advised to take them to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds, located off Road 415 just south of Coarsegold School. For more information, call (559) 760-5577.