Creek Fire prompts Bass Lake evacuation plan; Oakhurst, Coarsegold under warning

Mandatory evacuation orders were being developed for Bass Lake Monday evening as California’s Creek Fire continued its march toward more heavily populated areas of Madera County.

“This will include both sides of the lake,” read a tweet from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

“Residences east of Rd 222/Rd 432 and Road 426/Rd 222 will be evacuated. Areas east of Hwy 41 in Oakhurst, Coarsegold, O’Neal’s moving to warning status.”

Evacuation orders are mandatory due to an imminent threat to life and property.

Evacuation warnings are put in place for potential threats, though people who might need extra time to pack up and flee or who have animals to transport are urged to head out even at the warning stage.

The Creek Fire began Friday evening above Shaver Lake in eastern Fresno County but jumped the San Joaquin River on Saturday and has been racing north and west in Madera County.

This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 6:29 PM with the headline "Creek Fire prompts Bass Lake evacuation plan; Oakhurst, Coarsegold under warning."