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Hunter Fire across Detwiler burn area - photo by Amanda Montagnoli

Detwiler Fire Nears Containment; Flare-Ups, Breakouts & Spot Fires Continue

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Just as firefighters seemed to have the Detwiler Fire well in hand, another large spot fire broke out just northwest of the Detwiler’s ignition point.

Just after 11 a.m., reports came of a new fire outside the containment lines in the Hunters Valley area. Resources were diverted to the start, and a full air response was ordered.

Hunter Fire – Cal Fire photo

Cal Fire says what has been referred to as the Hunter Fire is part of the larger Detwiler Fire. It had grown to 100 acres by 2:40 p.m., with the left flank burning toward the lake, and the right flank headed toward the burn-out area already charred.

Forward progress was stopped as of 6 p.m., however, as of this time, the fire has not yet be called contained. We will update as conditions change.

The Detwiler Fire, it is now estimated at 81,550 acres with 75 percent containment.

Just before 4:30 p.m., a slop-over was reported in the area between Hornitos and Bear Valley Roads, well outside the lines. It was called in by Air Attack, and helicopters were overhead within minutes, with crews en route.

There was also a report of a one-acre spot fire near Mt. Gaines and Hornitos Roads. This was a new start, and not considered part of the Detwiler Fire. Crews had the fire contained by 6:10 p.m. at two acres.

Though good progress is being made every day, the Detwiler Fire is still very active and dangerous, with hot-spots and slop-overs a regular occurrence.

There are currently 3,700 personnel assigned to the incident including 277 engines, 52 water tenders, 94 hand crews, 35 dozers, 12 helicopters and air tankers as available.

The safety record on this fire has been outstanding, with no reports of serious injuries to either firefighters or the public.

One firefighter was transported after being thrown from his engine after it hit a tree. He received only minor injuries, and was sent home later that day.

The only other medical issues reported have been the normal afflictions suffered by firefighters on any fire — poison oak, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and cuts and scrapes.

Some crews are being demobilized for some much-needed and well-deserved R&R, after which they will be ready for deployment to other fires across the region.

The Red Cross and other agencies continue to work with those affected by this fire.

If you have been impacted by the Detwiler Fire please, visit http://www.mariposacountyrecovers.org or call (209) 966-2000 for more information on services available to you.

American Red Cross workers are conducting client casework and distributing cleaning supplies for residents impacted by the Detwiler Fire. Red Cross caseworkers will be available Friday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Motherlode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive in Sonora.

Residents seeking assistance are asked to bring proof of residency. It is not mandatory, but it will help speed up the process.

The Red Cross will close their evacuation center at Mariposa Elementary School at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 28.

For more information, contact the Red Cross public information line at 559-343-2549.

Evacuation orders were lifted for residents only at 11 a.m. today for more areas in the North County.

These areas remain under advisory as there is still active fire in the area:

  • Dogtown Road
  • Texas Hill Road
  • Greeley Hill Road – Including all side roads on Greeley Hill Road to Bull Creek Road
  • Bondurant Mine Road
  • Old Yosemite Road

Residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Should an evacuation order be implemented the following travel routes should be utilized.

  • Texas Hill & Bondurant Mine Road – Exit using Dogtown to Coulterville or Holtzel to Greeley Hill Road
  • All side roads on Greeley Hill Road – Exit using Greeley Hill Road

Please be aware that fire crews are working on direct fire lines in the area. Please drive with caution.

Road Closures in the Area:

  • Bull Creek Road

For a detailed list of all the evacuations and road closures, click here.

Cooperating agencies include the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, Mariposa County Fire, CAL OES, CHP, Mariposa Public Works, Caltrans, Mariposa Public Utility District, BLM, Merced County Fairgrounds, Mariposa County Fairgrounds, California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, American Red Cross, Mariposa OES ,Mariposa County Human Services and Public Health, North Fork Tribal Chair, CDCR CYA Camp, City of San Francisco, TDS Telecom, AT&T, Verizon, Sierra Pacific Industries, PG&E, Tuolumne County Sheriff, Wildland Defense Systems, Sierra Telephone, California State Parks, Salvation Army, United States Forest Service, Federal Team 5, Red Zone Disaster Intelligence, City of Merced, U.S. Senator Feinstein’s Office, California National Guard, John C. Fremont Healthcare District, National Park Service, Sonoma County, Madera County Sheriff, Mariposa Health Air Quality and Merced County.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

For all the stories on the Detwiler Fire, click here.

For detailed maps of the entire fire area, click here.

Map of Hunter Fire location and north end of Detwiler Fire below.

 

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