WeatherFanatics: Thousands Forced to Evacuate as Junction Fire Rages

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Thousands Forced to Evacuate as Junction Fire Rages

By Jillian MacMath, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

August 19,2014; 8:04PM,EDT

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze that has burned 1,200 acres. (Photo/Madera County Sheriff's Department)
The Junction Fire has forced the evacuation 13,000 people in Madera County, California, as of Aug. 19, the county sheriff's office reports. Another 2,500 evacuation warnings are in place.
More than 450 firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which has consumed 1,200 acres and damaged eight structures since it ignited. Another 500 structures remain threatened.
Two injuries were reported due to the fire, according to California fire officials.
As of Tuesday evening, the fire had been reduced to 612 acres and was 30 percent contained.
"While California is typically very dry this time of year, the ongoing drought conditions increase the threat of new wildfires," according to AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Eric Leister.
"The drought can cause wildfires to spread more easily, but also weather conditions, such a wind speed and direction as well as relative humidity, will determine how quickly the fire spreads in any given location."

Through Wednesday afternoon, the area will have mostly dry weather with some wind and the possibility of a stray thunderstorm, according to AccuWeather.com Western Weather Expert Ken Clark.
"The weather won't help, but neither will it hinder," Clark said.
Several roadways in Madera remain closed or restricted in places.
As of Tuesday evening, evacuation orders have been lifted for Highway 41 and all areas west of the roadway except Road 620.
Roads east of Highway 41 remain closed, according to county officials.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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