Ferguson Fire explodes to more than 29,000 acres in last 24 hours
MARIPOSA, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the Ferguson Fire rages in the Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests, more than 2,900 fire personnel are attacking the flames on the front lines.
The fire is moving in a north /northeastern direction. Hand crews and bulldozers are aggressively cutting fire breaks to protect nearby communities--Anderson Valley area and Yosemite West.
"We also have crews and fire engines putting water on it. They're using all the tools they have to create a buffer zone and stop that fire zone from getting to the park," said Cal Fire Cpt. Christian Linnemann.
Triple-digit heat and unpredictable winds are adding to the challenges firefighters face as they work to build containment lines.
According to fire behavior specialists with Cal Fire the flames jumping Highway 140 and spreading to Stanislaus National Forest has added to the complexity of this fire.
RELATED: New evacuations ordered as Ferguson Fire gets closer to Yosemite National Park
"Being up there its very very steep terrain, not very accessible to get there. The crews have to take a very long trip to get around and into that area," said Cpt. Linnemann.
"This is our home and were taking care of our own. The latest addition to the list of evacuations in place, Anderson Valley, and Yosemite West," said Red Cross Shelter Supervisor Kelly Peck.
RELATED: Inside the base camp for Ferguson Fire crews
A Red Cross shelter was set up at the New Life Christian Fellowship Church and has volunteers from Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Fresno counties.
Peck says they have seen roughly a dozen people seek shelter, but they are prepared to take on more.
"That becomes emotional because this is our home. These are our neighbors. They're stressed. They're hurting. They're confused. We just want to create a safe place," said Peck.
