July 3, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report the cause of the Whiskey Fire.

We regret to report the death of a 65-year-old Whittier man as a result of the ongoing Whiskey Fire.

Around 1:30 p.m. on July 3, the man was driving a tractor on his property in the 59000 block of Road 225 in North Fork, when it is believed a brake failure caused him to lose control of the equipment. The tractor ultimately collided with several objects on the property, coming to rest and sparking a fire, igniting the tall grass in the area. A neighbor who witnessed the incident attempted to pull him to safety, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Whiskey Fire is currently at 47.5 acres and 15% contained.

Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office

Related: CAL FIRE Reports Whiskey Fire in Eastern Madera County Near North Fork