Evacuation orders issued as 'Fields Fire' burns in Merced County

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- New evacuation orders are in place as the so-called Fields Fire burning in Merced County has picked up again on Friday afternoon.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office says 15 residents are impacted by the fire from Merced Falls Road and Hornitos Road, west of the Kelsey Reservoir. All in the area are urged to leave now.

Deputies are going door to door to help evacuate residents.

An emergency shelter has been established at the First Baptist Church of Snelling on Highway 59 near Montgomery Street.

According to CAL FIRE, the Fields Fire has burned 1,100 acres off La Grange and Fields roads near Snelling.

The flames broke out just before 2 p.m. Thursday, quickly spreading in the dry grass.

131 firefighters are working to put out the flames, which are now 40 percent contained.

Merced Falls Road remains closed from La Grange to Hornitos Road.

Power has been restored to all previously impacted residents.

Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story.