MARIPOSA COUNTY — The Detwiler fire, burning near Lake McClure in Mariposa County, is now estimated at 7,100 acres with 0 percent containment.
The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon, and grew rapidly, forcing people from their homes and closing roads in the Hunters Valley area.
Evacuations include all homes on:
- Detwiler Road
- Hunters Valley Road
- Hunters Valley Access Road
- Bear Valley Road from Hunters Valley Access Road to Highway 49
- Bear Valley Road from Cotton Creek to Highway 49
- Bear Valley Road from Cotton Creek to Exchequer Rd (north side only)
- Highway 49 from Pendola Gardens to Fremont Fork (Monument at the top of the Bagby Grade)
- Cotton Creek Road
Road closures include:
- Hunters Valley Road at Bear Valley Road
- Hunters Valley Access Road at Bear Valley Road
- Bear Valley Road at Hunters Valley Road
- Bear Valley Road at Hunters Valley Access Road
- Cotton Creek Road at Bear Valley Road
- Highway 49 at Pendola Gardens
- Highway 49 at Fremont Fort
- Bear Valley Road at Exchequer Road
- Mt. Gains at No. 9 Road
A Fire Advisement has been issue for the following areas – (NOT an Evacuation Order, simple advisement of fire in the area only)
- Highway 49 – All homes from Pendola Gardens to Mt. Ophir Road
- Pendola Gardens- All homes to Old Toll (Not including Old Toll)
- Bear Valley Road- All homes from Exchequer Road to Hornitos Road
- No.9 Road to Mt. Gains
- Hornitos Town Area
PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE AREA – Lots of people out there trying to take photos but the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that fire can be a very fast-moving, changing situation, and it is very important to keep the roads clear for emergency traffic.
One structure has been damaged, and one has been destroyed.
By 7 p.m. yesterday the fire had become established on the south side of Hunters Valley Road, and on the east side of Hunters Valley Access Road.
Sheriff’s deputies were responding last night to requests from those evacuated to get help evacuating their animals.
The Red Cross Shelter and Small Animal Shelter has been moved from the McCay Hall in Catheys Valley, to the Mariposa Elementary School at 5044 Jones Street in Mariposa. Central CA Animal Disaster Team was deployed to set up a small animal shelter at this location. For animal evacuation, residents need to call the Mariposa Sheriff’s Office at 209-966-3614.
Volunteers will be on hand to provide water, snacks, and comfort for evacuated residents while they wait for emergency information.
The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and have an emergency kit ready go for any disaster including wildfires. Visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/wildfire to learn more.
