Fields

Fields Fire Report - July 28, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Fields Fire ignited at approximately 1:46 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, near La Grange Road and Fields Road, north of the community of Snelling in Merced County, California.
Size and Containment: As of July 27, 2026, the fire has burned 1,280 acres and is 85% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Fueled by critically dry grass and vegetation, the fire spread rapidly during its first 48 hours. Initially reported at around 200 acres, it grew to 1,180 acres by July 24, and reached its current size of 1,280 acres by July 25. The rate of spread has since halted due to successful firefighting efforts.
Containment Efforts: The incident is being managed by the CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU). At its peak, 169 fire personnel were assigned to the blaze, utilizing 26 engines, 3 helicopters, and 2 dozers, alongside numerous air tankers. Firefighters have successfully boxed in the majority of the fire's perimeter and are currently patrolling the area to extinguish smoldering embers. The estimated cost of the firefighting effort is currently around $100,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: All mandatory evacuation orders—which previously impacted the 5800 block of Merced Falls Road to the county line—were officially lifted by the Merced County Sheriff's Office at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Evacuation Warnings: All evacuation warnings have been lifted.
Curfew: There are no curfews currently in place.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: The designated evacuation shelter was closed at 12:00 p.m. on July 26, 2026, corresponding with the lifting of evacuation orders.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Merced Falls Road, from La Grange Road to the county line, was previously closed but reopened to all traffic at 12:00 p.m. on July 26.
• There are currently no active road closures related to the Fields Fire.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Incidents Page
• Merced County Sheriff's Office Official Updates
• Watch Duty Incident Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: One firefighter injury was reported during the response efforts. There have been no reports of civilian injuries or fatalities.
Structures Impacted: At the height of the fire, 20 structures were threatened in the Snelling area. Fortunately, there are no reports of any structures being damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures currently in effect.
Notable Impacts: The fire temporarily displaced local residents and disrupted travel along Merced Falls Road, but the immediate threat to the community of Snelling has been mitigated.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no widespread power outages reported in connection with the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns or contamination issues have been reported.
Burn Bans: Standard seasonal CAL FIRE burn bans and fire restrictions remain in effect for Merced County, strictly prohibiting outdoor burning.
Air Quality: While the fire is largely contained and smoke production has decreased, lingering localized smoke may still be present. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to monitor local air quality and limit outdoor activities if smoke is visible.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire at 85% containment, crews have made excellent progress over the last 72 hours. Firefighters will remain on the scene in the coming days to reinforce control lines, patrol for hotspots, and work toward 100% containment. The threat of further spread is currently minimal.
Weather and Wind Warnings: There are no Red Flag Warnings in effect for the area. The forecast for Merced County indicates clear, sunny conditions with daytime high temperatures ranging from 96°F to 100°F and relatively low humidity (around 27% to 31%). These calm, albeit hot, conditions are allowing firefighters to safely complete their containment efforts without the threat of erratic, wind-driven fire behavior.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Fields Fire remains under investigation by CAL FIRE.
Weather and Climate: The fire's initial ignition and rapid growth were largely driven by extreme summer heat and critically dry vegetation. Hot temperatures combined with low relative humidity created highly receptive fuel beds in the grass and brush, conditions that are typical of California's peak fire season and exacerbated by broader climate trends of extended dry periods.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Current Incidents Page
• Merced County Office of Emergency Services
• Watch Duty - Fields Fire Updates