Approximate Location
Incident Overview
U.S. Forest Service officials announced today that the Cascadel Fire, located three miles east of North Fork, is now 100% contained. At the height of the fire, 600 firefighters battled the blaze, which threatened 320 residences in Cascadel Woods. The Cascadel Fire burned 280 acres and cost $3.1 million to suppress.
U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Agents have determined that the fire was related to the illegal cultivation of marijuana. Law Enforcement Officers from the U.S. Forest Service, Madera County Sheriff's Office, MADNET and Mariposa Sheriff's office eradicated 6,000 marijuana plants in the area of the Cascadel Fire.
This is the 2nd fire in four years which was started by illegal cultivation of marijuana. In 2004, the Source Fire burned 385 acres in the Sierra National Forest, six miles east of North Fork. No structures or homes were lost in that fire.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Human Caused |
| Date of Origin | Thursday September 11th, 2008 approx. 09:21 PM |
| Location | 3 miles east and northeast of North Fork |
| Incident Commander | Allen Johnson |
Current Situation
| Size | 280 acres |
|---|---|
| Percent Contained | 100% |
| Estimated Containment Date | Wednesday September 17th, 2008 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved | Heavy brush and mixed light timber |
Current Weather
| Wind Conditions | 4-14 mph NE |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 91 degrees |
| Humidity | 12% |
