FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Crews are continuing to gain containment on the Oak Fire in Mariposa County that has forced more than 6,000 people to evacuate and many of them to lose their homes. The wildfire has scorched 19,240 acres since it first sparked Friday, becoming the largest wildfire California has suffered so far this year.
RELATED: Army veteran’s home burned down by Oak Fire in Mariposa County Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Mariposa County. As of Friday morning, containment is at 52%. CAL FIRE says the Oak Fire has destroyed 163 structures.
On Tuesday evening, officials said they had reopened the Highway 140 entrance to Yosemite National Park, which was shut down due to the Oak Fire. Fire personnel are fighting to control the flames from ground and from air, racing against time as the fast-moving wildfire continues to burn dangerously close to over 1,000 more buildings. WATCH: Video captures ‘apocalyptic scene’ as Oak Fire smoke blankets skies The Oak Fire was sparked just after 2 pm Friday near the community of Midpines between Mariposa and Yosemite National Park.
By evening, it had reached the Sierra National Forest. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, officials reduced some evacuation orders to fire advisements. That means residents are allowed in their homes, but should be ready to leave in case flames spread further.
RELATED: Oak Fire: Newly married couple return to find Mariposa County home in ashes Areas including Triangle Road, some parts of Lushmeadows Subdivision, and all addresses on Highway 140 are now open, but only for residents who live in the area. You can see updates and details on this evacuation map created by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. Areas marked in red are where residents are ordered to leave.
Areas in yellow are under fire advisories. Governor Newsom has secured federal funding to keep resources and firefighters moving in. Firefighting efforts are being hampered by hot weather with minimal humidity.
The fire is also burning in an area with high tree mortality and dense fuels. Video taken by an ABC30 crew shows huge, dark clouds of smoke rising from entire hillsides engulfed in flames. This was the third wildfire to spread rapidly and force evacuation in the county in two weeks.
Firefighters are still trying to fully contain the Washburn Fire. RELATED: Track wildfires across Central California and the state with this interactive map Several roads in Mariposa County are closed. You can find updates on the road closures on CAL FIRE’s page .
An evacuation center has been set up by the Red Cross at Mariposa Elementary School. Evacuees are being given safe shelter, water, meals and more resources. Address of evacuation centers: Animal evacuation centers: Officials are urging anyone who needs information to call the Oak Fire information line: 844-MMU-FIRE (844-668-3473) For the latest developments, photos and videos on the Oak Fire, click here .
Full list of stories on the Oak Fire: READ: Beloved cat found safe after going missing as family forced to evacuate home during Oak Fire READ: Army veteran’s home burned down by Oak Fire in Mariposa County READ: Oak Fire: Newly married couple return to find Mariposa County home in ashes READ: Oak Fire: Valley air quality expected to worsen due to smoke from Mariposa County wildfire READ: Oak Fire: Red Cross volunteers helping more than 50 evacuees WATCH: Video captures ‘apocalyptic scene’ as Oak Fire smoke blankets skies READ: Oak Fire: GoFundMe sets up verified hub for fundraisers READ: Oak Fire: Animal evacuation shelters busy with pets.
From: abc7
URL: https://abc30.com/mariposa-county-evacuation-orders-issued-oak-fire-washburn-agua/12085718/
