Courtney Fire almost fully contained

Sunday, September 21, 2014
Courtney Fire 70 percent contained; all evacuation orders lifted
People who lost their homes in the Courtney Fire are getting a close-up look now at the devastation.

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A wildfire that burned several homes in Madera County is now 97 percent contained, fire officials said.

The Courtney Fire, which started on Courtney Lane and Seven Hills Road in Oakhurst on Sept. 14, has charred 320 acres, according to Cal Fire.

All evacuation orders have been lifted for residents, and all roads that were closed due to the fire have since reopened.

VIDEO: Oakhurst comes together to help Courtney Fire victims

About 90 firefighters remain on the scene. Fire officials now say 30 homes have been destroyed and another four have been damaged. They previously said that 33 homes had been destroyed.

Shortly after the fire broke out, Gov. Jerry Brown secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help fund firefighting efforts.

PHOTOS: Wildfire breaks out in Oakhurst and Bass Lake

Over the weekend, Cal Fire said the wildfire was caused by someone. The Madera County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday that it had identified a suspect who started the fire. That person's name has not been released.

A total of four injuries have been reported.

VIDEO: More Courtney Fire evacuation orders lifted

Current Situation:

Firefighters continue to mop up interior hot spots. They will assist and oversee the community during repopulation

Acres burned: 320

Containment: 97%

Location: Courtney Lane and 7 Hills Rd, Oakhurst

Cause: Under Investigation

Structures destroyed/damaged:

  • 30 residences destroyed
  • 4 residences damaged
  • 19 outbuildings destroyed
  • 3 outbuildings damaged
  • 13 vehicles destroyed
  • 2 vehicles damaged
  • 4 recreational vehicles destroyed

Residents who need more information on the recovery process can call Madera County OES at (559) 675-7770 .

Road closures:

****Effective September 19, 2014 at 6pm: All road closures are lifted

RAW VIDEO: A Bass Lake home owner watches his neighbor's house go up in flames from his front porch

RAW VIDEO: A Bass Lake homeowner walks a dirt road back to his home during the Courtney Fire