MARIPOSA COUNTY – Firefighters held the line overnight on the Hunters Fire, still being reported at 1,300 acres and 20% containment. The fire started on Monday afternoon near Lake McClure just west of Highway 49 in Mariposa County.
There are 478 personnel currently assigned to the fire, and two unoccupied residences and one outbuilding have been destroyed. One hundred more are still threatened.
So far five injuries have been reported. There is no estimated date for containment, and the cause remains under investigation.
Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling through the area due to smokey conditions and fire equipment operating along the roadways.
Evacuations remain in place along Hunters Valley Road to Bear Valley Road, including Hunters Valley Access Road and Detwiler Road. Road closures are in effect for Hunters Valley Road at Bear Valley Road and Cotton Creek Road at Bear Valley Road.
No estimation of when evacuation orders or road closures will be lifted, as they remain dependent on fire status.
Two evacuation centers have been set up, one at McKay Hall, 2820 Highway 140 in Catheys Valley, and a second at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, just south of Mariposa on Highway 49.
Large animals are being accepted at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, and dogs and cats are being housed at McKay Hall in Catheys Valley.
The Red Cross is requesting that you PLEASE BRING FOOD for your animals when delivering them to evacuation centers.
If you require evacuation assistance for large animals and livestock, please call 209-966-3615.
Dozens of local agencies are cooperating on the fire including Cal Fire, Mariposa County Fire, the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Madera County Fire, Mariposa County Sheriff, the California Department of Corrections and the CHP.
