Crews working to contain wildfire burning in Madera County

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Run Fire was just one of at least eight fires in the Central Valley on Monday.

It is now under control, but with triple digits on the way, there is serious concern that the fire season here is about to get a lot worse.

"We are in fire season for sure. If you didn't know that before, now this is your wake-up call," said Madera County Battalion Chief Frank Johnson.

Johnson confirms more than 100 firefighters fought the Run Fire near Raymond.

"We had 20-mile-an-hour winds and steep, rugged terrain. The fire grew to approximately 420 acres," explained Johnson.

It all started as a car fire when a sedan malfunctioned.

Johnson says it's not suspicious.

The occupants called 911 after they ran to get a cell signal.

"The fire was well established by the time we got here. Approximately 50 acres," said Johnson.

The fire was in a remote part of Madera County.

No damaged structures and no deaths.

But there was a road closure, and several evacuation advisories.

They are now lifted.

"It is so imperative that you heed those warnings, get to a safe spot. That way, the firefighters can do the job they need to do, and we're not worried about people left in their homes," said Johnson.

Within hours, the Run Fire was partially contained.

Aircraft dropped fire retardant.

Some of the hillside was seen in bright pink.

"We'll have crews that stay out overnight. Our biggest concern is that with these high winds, we don't need something sparking back tonight and threatening homes in the future," said Johnson.

The Run Fire is the latest fire in just days.

"I would say we're busier now than we are normally at this time," Johnson said.

With Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, officials are preparing for the fire season to ramp up.

"There will definitely be more fires. This is the first of many," said Johnson.

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