Update: Madera wildfire sparked when man dies in tractor accident, says sheriff

A wildfire that erupted in Cascadel Woods in the Madera foothills Monday was sparked by a fatal accident that claimed the life of a Southern California man, the Madera County Sheriff reported.

By 6 p.m., the fire had consumed nearly 50 acres, and was only 15 percent contained. Sheriff Tyson Pogue issued evacuation orders for a portion of the fire area and warnings for additional sections of the Cascadel Woods community. Officials also cautioned that the fire could spread to 500 acres. The Sierra National Forest was the lead agency in the battle against the fire.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Kayla Gates said the fire started as the 65-year-old Whittier man was operating a tractor on property in Cascadel Woods. A witness reported the victim said the tractor’s brakes were not working as he drove on a downhill incline. The tractor then crashed into a tree, causing injures the victim did not survive. The victim’s identity was withheld pending notification of family.

Sheriff’s officials said there was a “potential threat to life” and property from what was named the Whiskey Fire. Residents initially were told to monitor the situation and be prepared to take action immediately. Those who needed additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock were urged to leave immediately.

Anyone in need evacuation assistance was urged to call 559-675-7770.

Areas under evacuation orders:

• Road 225 between Tera Tera Ranch Road and Rainbow Drive, north side of the road only

• Tera Tera Ranch Road

Areas under evacuation warnings:

• Zone 919 - Road 225 Northeast

• Zone 771 - Road 225 Northwest

• Zone 773 - Mission Drive

• Zone 775 - Cascadel Woods

• Zone 643 - Road 233

Roadblocks:

• Road 225 @ Lark Lark

• Road 225 @ Tera Tera Ranch Road

Go to www.maderaaware.com for an interactive map of current evacuations.