Mariposa County fire continues to grow, destroying 45 structures
Blaze prompts evacuation of two towns
Blaze prompts evacuation of two towns
The Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County has destroyed 45 structures and prompted the evacuation of nearly 5,000 residents.
The blaze continues to grow, and roaring through a staggering 70,096 acres as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire. The fire is only 10 percent contained.
Mariposa and Coulterville were evacuated as the blaze began to move eastward towards the two towns.
Six structures have been damaged but not completely destroyed. The blaze is threatening an additional 1,500 structures.
Over 3,000 fire personnel and 410 fire engines are battling the blaze. Fire crews worked through the night on Wednesday to help contain the fire.
The fire continues to threaten power lines that feed into Yosemite National Park.
Although the park remains open, smoke from the fire is filtering into the park. Yosemite officials are warning that the air quality in the park is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
Lingering affects from California's five-year drought are encouraging the blaze to grow.
The fire is burning through "drought stricken chaparral" and is in a region with tremendous tree mortality, according to Cal Fire.
Two air attack planes from Hollister are fighting the Mariposa blaze and are staging out of the city of Columbia.
Local fire crews from Monterey Cal Fire, the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services, and Santa Cruz Cal Fire and are also pitching in to help.
The following evacuation shelters have been set up for individuals displaced by the fire.
Evacuation shelters: EV Free Church at 50443 School Rd., Oakhurst; Sierra Vista Presbyterian at 39696 Hwy. 41, Oakhurst; Cesar Chavez Middle School at 161 Plainsburg Rd., Planada; Mountain Christian Center at 40299 Hwy. 49, Oakhurst; and the Sonora Fairgrounds at 220 Southgate, Sonora.
Evacuation centers for small animals: EV Free Church and Cesar Chavez Middle School.
Evacuation centers for large animals: Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds at 44777 Rodeo Grounds Ln., Coarsegold; and the Horseman Associate at 499 Nevada St., Merced.