Madera County wildfire blackens more than 130 acres

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Crews continue to battle a wildfire that started around noon Sunday off Red Tail Road and Road 211 in Madera County. ABC30 Insiders captured photos of residents trying to spray down the brush as the flames moved closer.

By Monday afternoon, the so-called Red Fire had charred 134 acres and was 65 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Evacuation orders were in effect, but they have since been lifted.

Cal Fire crews say they got a lot of help from aircraft and firefighters who were just getting released from other fires nearby. But the risk is still high because of the drought and summer heat.

"These fires are burning a lot hotter and faster than we normally see this time of year, and it's just that much more important that everybody be careful about what you do, outdoors, driving, anything," said Battalion Chief Chris Christopherson with Cal Fire Madera County.

One firefighter suffered flu-like symptoms at the scene and was checked by paramedics, but officials say he did not have to be taken to the hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.