A vegetation fire broke out in Oakhurst on Thursday, July 23, prompting a firefighting response in the River Parkway and Teddy Bear Lane area of Madera County.
The blaze, named the Teddy Fire, was estimated to have spread across 2–3 acres, according to Watch Duty, which tracks active wildfires across the United States. Fire crews later managed to stop the fire’s forward progress and were expected to remain at the site for several hours for mop-up operations.
Unverified reports on social media also mentioned a possible house fire in the area, including near Highway 41 and River Parkway. However, authorities had not officially confirmed any structure fire linked to the incident.
Videos and photographs shared online showed thick smoke rising over Oakhurst, while emergency sirens could be heard in some footage. Residents from nearby areas also reported smelling smoke and seeing the fire from a distance.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. No injuries have been reported so far, and firefighters were said to be making good progress in containing the blaze.
Local residents expressed concern online, with some reporting smoke in surrounding areas and others praising firefighters and aircraft involved in the response.
Fire crews are expected to continue monitoring the area and carrying out mop-up operations to prevent the fire from reigniting.
