Some residents return home
Some Oakhurst residents were allowed to return home Tuesday, despite the ongoing Junction Fire that has burned 612 acres in Oakhurst, as officials opened most roads west of State Route 41, Madera County Sheriff’s officials announced.
Sheriff John Anderson declared a local emergency Monday due to the growing inferno in the foothill community. More than 1,500 homes and businesses received emergency evacuation notices due to the wildfire that threatened more than 3,000 structures. The flames began from a brush fire of which the cause is yet to be determined, according to authorities.
Cal Fire officials said that although the blaze has the potential to grow, firefighters continue to make significant progress. The fire was at 612 acres and 30 percent contained on Tuesday evening. More accurate mapping led officials to change the previously announced 1,200 charred acres.
Evacuees who live on the west side of State Route 41, near the Road 425A subdivision, were permitted to return home on Tuesday evening...