MARIPOSA COUNTY — Firefighters made good progress overnight and throughout the day on the Spring Fire, burning in the Bootjack area along Highway 49.
The fire is holding at 225 acres and is now 35 percent contained. Crews continue to hit hot spots and strengthen fire lines.
There are currently 554 personnel assigned to the incident, including 53 engines and 22 crews.
Highway 49 was closed in both directions yesterday for public and firefighter safety, but the roadway was reopened to one-lane traffic control just after 10 a.m. this morning. The road will be closed again at 8 p.m. and is scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. A detour is available on Darrah and Triangle Roads.
The fire started on Sunday, July 2, just after 1:30 p.m. on the south side of Highway 49, and spread quickly northward, jumping the highway and prompting the evacuations of dozens of homes on Allred and Ashworth Roads and the surrounding area.
At about 10 p.m. last night, Silva Road, Carleton Road and Morning Star Lane were reopened to residents only. Old Oak Lane up to the Ashworth/Grist intersection is also open to residents only.
Residents are required to enter into the Old Oak Lane/ Lower Ashworth area via Ben Hur Road.
Evacuations remain in effect for Allred Road from Highway 49 to Morningstar Lane, and Ashworth Road between Highway 49 and Grist Road. Grist Road remains under evacuation orders as well.
The Indian Peak Road evacuation advisory has been lifted.
Red Cross Communications Director Jessica Piffero told ABC30 that about 20 residents stopped in at the shelter, located at Woodland Elementary School, 3394 Woodland Drive, and that 11 people spent the night. Piffero says they plan to downgrade from a shelter to an evacuation center, and will officially close down by Tuesday by 2 p.m., unless something changes with the fire, and more evacuations are ordered.
PG&E has been assessing the damage to lines and power poles, and worked to restore power to any residences knocked offline yesterday.
One structure has been damaged and none have been destroyed. No injuries have been reported.
Cooperating agencies include Cal Fire, the Mariposa County Sheriff Office, Mariposa County Fire, PG&E, Caltrans, Mariposa County Public Works, CHP and the Red Cross.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
We will update as new information becomes available.
