Wildfire in Merced County growing rapidly. Here’s what Cal Fire says
A wildfire that started in Merced County on Tuesday morning has quickly grown to more than 600 acres, according to Cal Fire.
The fire was first reported by Cal Fire at around 11 a.m. as a 50-acre fire on Highway 140 south of Lincoln Blvd. in Atwater.
Cal Fire’s latest update, published online at 1:47 p.m., says the fire has grown to 616 acres.
Cal Fire crews from the Madera-Mariposa-Merced unit have responded to the blaze, called the Lincoln Fire. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout California are flying fire suppression missions, Cal Fire said.
Nine engines, two water tenders, one helicopter and 30 personnel are fighting the blaze, which is currently at 0% containment.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Merced County Fire Department are also involved in the operation.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 1:55 PM.
