OAKHURST, CA - A fast-moving Madera County brush fire sparked a massive evacuation of residents and tourists from the foothill community as fire crews from throughout the region tried to keep the flames from spreading.

Named the Junction fire, the blaze quickly blackened about 1,200 acres in the north end of town and beyond.

At least eight structures were destroyed, and at least 500 more were threatened. Gov. Jerry Brown's office announced late Monday that a federal emergency grant will help defray 75% of the firefighting costs.

Rhonda Salisbury, Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau marketing director, said Oakhurst hasn't seen a fire that significant in more than 50 years.

The wildfire is burning near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, threatening 500 homes on the park's outskirts, authorities said. (Source: Fresno Bee)

Story Date: August 21, 2014