In the last 24 hours the Willow Fire has grown by around 1,000 acres, fueled by dense brush, hot conditions and wind. As of Friday morning the fire has consumed around 4,300 acres and is 30 percent contained. The blaze began Saturday near Bass Lake and is now 30 percent contained.
Officials say the southern flank of the fire is now burning in the footprint of the 2001 North Fork fire, an area filled with dense brush, tree snags and dead woody material. On the north crews are making progress battling the fire around a large granite outcropping known as the 7 Rock.
Around 1,900 firefighters are working on the scene. Mandatory evacuations are still in place for residents and visitors in the area of Cascadel Woods, Central Camp and Douglas Ranger Station Road.
