The managers of the state electrical grid are asking California residents to keep conserving energy for a couple of more days.
With the record-breaking heat wave expected to conclude after Friday, residents are asked to follow the voluntary Flex Alert guidelines today and tomorrow.
Thursday’s Flex Alert has been expanded by two hours. It starts at 3 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m.
According to the Cal-ISO website, there should be sufficient power to avoid outages today if residents comply.
The National Weather Service in Hanford says that it expects to end an Excessive Heat Warning at 8 p.m. Friday.
Fork Fire Update
The Fork Fire, which broke out in the Madera County mountain community of North Fork on Wednesday afternoon, has burned 773 acres and is 5% contained, Cal Fire reports.
“The fire is burning in steep, rugged country affected by tree mortality,” Cal Fire said in its daily incident report. “Hot, dry weather, drought conditions, and thick vegetation are influencing fire behavior. Short-range spotting has been observed. Firefighters are actively engaged in fire suppression efforts, line construction, and structure defense.”
You can sign up for Madera County emergency alert notifications at MCAlert.org or by texting your zip code to 888777.
The following roads are closed until further notice:
- Road 222 @ Road 200 (Road 222 closed)
- Road 222 @ Carmen Ranch Road (Road 222 closed)
- Road 225 @ Douglas Ranger Station Road (both roads closed)
- Road 225 @ Tera Tera Ranch Road (Road 225 closed)
Red Cross Shelters are set up at Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B, and the Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church 50443 High School Road.
For evacuation orders, click on this link and scroll down the page.
Power Fire Update
The fire, which started Tuesday at Powerhouse and Auberry roads in the Fresno County foothills, was 65% contained as of 9 a.m. Thursday.
The damage has been limited to 130 acres, Cal Fire reported.
Fresno Cooling Centers Are Open
With the NWS predicting a high of 107 degrees in Fresno today, the city’s cooling centers are open. Details are in the city’s tweet below.
Temperatures Dip Below 100 on Saturday
Valley residents undoubtedly will celebrate the likely farewell of triple-digit temperatures this year on Saturday.
The NWS forecast for Fresno calls for a high near 105 on Friday, 94 Saturday, and 91 Sunday. There is also a weekend possibility of showers.
By next Wednesday, the high could drop into the 80s. The arrival of 70-degree highs isn’t anticipated until October.
