Smoke is visible from Highway 140 last Friday shortly after the start of the Waltz Fire near the county line. Photo by Fred Ohlerking
A pair of fires over the past couple of weeks are a stark reminder that fire season is underway and people need to stay vigilant.
The biggest fire began just inside the Merced County line west of Catheys Valley on June 5.
The Waltz Fire was 90 percent contained as of Monday of this week, but it scorched 1,644 acres, according to CAL FIRE.
It began east of Planada near the county line on South Waltz Road in Catheys Valley. That is a gravel road that runs near the large Bear Reservoir in a remote part of the county. Smoke could be seen from Highway 140 near the Mariposa County Line.
The fire spread quickly in dry conditions that included dead grasses and weeds in the rolling hills. It spread east and was reported quickly as 300 acres and began growing from there.
Fortunately, no structures were threatened by the blaze and there were no injuries reported.
A total of eight engines, four water tenders, two helicopters, three bulldozers and two hand crews battled the blaze, which cleanup continuing this week. Several air tankers responded quickly to the fire.
These two photos are of the Lawn Fire, which broke out on June 1 near Catheys Valley. Local resident Sean Werle reported the following: “These were taken very early on, probably about six or seven minutes after it started and when it was growing at a very rapid pace. Emergency responders arrived within about five minutes after this and they had it under control within an hour. Photos by Sean Werle
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by CAL FIRE.
A total of 75 personnel were on the scene.
On June 1, the Lawn Fire broke out in the same area, this time on the south side of Highway 140 west of Catheys Valley. It was near Old Highway.
Witnesses said the fire spread quickly, however, fire crews were also on the scene quickly.
In total, 33 acres burned in the blaze but it was quickly contained.
There were several air tankers dispatched quickly to douse the fire.
The cause of this fire, too, remains under investigation.
No other details about the Lawn Fire were available from CAL FIRE.
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