All Evacuations Lifted For The Oak Fire

Posted by: Trisha Jacobs August 4, 2022 0 2,094 Views

MARIPOSA COUNTY–The Oak Fire started in the Midpines area of Mariposa County on July 22nd, 2022. The fire has burned almost 20,000 acres and is 86% contained. 127 single resident structures and 66 out buildings have been destroyed. Electricity has been restored to all customers and all evacuations and road closures have been lifted.

From the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office

FINAL OAK FIRE UPDATE

All Evacuation Orders have been lifted

All Fire Advisements have been lifted

ROAD INFORMATION

All roads are open

Oak Fire Public Information Map 8.4.2022

IMPORTANT RESIDENT INFORMATION

As you return to areas impacted by the Oak Fire, please keep in mind they may look very different and you may face a range of emotions. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 209-966-7000 or 1-800-549-6741. Online link is here.

LARGE AND SMALL ANIMALS
To report missing animals please use this link.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DEBRIS REMOVAL
The Mariposa County HHSA – Environmental Health Unit is working with CalEPA and CalREcycle to help remove hazardous waste and burn debris from burned out property as a result of the Oak Fire. Property that has been partially cleared/cleaned up by individuals will NOT be eligible for this program if it becomes available. More information here.

If you would like to take advantage of ANY program to remove fire debris from your property, at no out of pocket cost to you, do not begin clean up. Looking for small, personal items is ok. Please take precautions, because of the possibility that fire debris may contain hazardous waste products.

RETURNING HOME AFTER A WILDFIRE:

Although wildfire damage can be immeasurable, the danger is not over after the flames are put out. Flash flooding and debris flows, structural damage, road instability, and damaged trees are just some of the dangers that exist after a wildfire.

Keep these tips in mind:

Stay away from your home or business until fire officials tell you it is safe to return.
Flash floods are a very real and potentially deadly hazard after a wildfire, particularly as a result of rain falling over a burned area upstream of your location. Stay away from burned forests, storm channels, and natural drainages (rivers, creeks, and engineered channels can convey deadly flows of water and debris, especially after a wildfire).
Have a battery-powered radio to listen for emergency updates, weather forecasts, reports of flash flooding, and news reports.
Have an evacuation plan in place and make sure all family members are familiar with it.
Be aware of and use extreme caution around trees, power poles, and other tall objects or structures that may have lost stability during the fire. Most burned structures and surfaces will be unstable.
Stay out of burned forests during windy conditions, as burned trees are
easily downed by wind.
Do not touch any power lines.

Keep a “fire watch.” That means look for smoke or sparks throughout the house and on rooftops (e.g., in gutters), etc. Look for ash pits or hidden embers. Stay away – they can burn you.
Before inspecting your home, first check for the smell of gas. Turn off power until you’ve completed your inspection. Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. (Note: the flashlight should be turned on outside before entering. The battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.)

Do not drink or use water from the faucet until emergency officials say it is okay; water supply systems can be damaged and become polluted during wildfires or as a result of subsequent post-fire flooding. If your well has been damaged by fire, contact a local licensed and bonded well constructor or pump installer to determine the extent of the damage and
what must be done to either repair or decommission the well.

Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, flood waters, or soot.

Utilities: If there is no power, check to make sure the main breaker is on. If the breakers are on and power is still not present, contact the utility company. If you have a propane tank or system, contact a propane supplier, turn off valves on the system, and leave valves closed until the supplier inspects your system. If you have a heating oil tank system, contact a heating oil supplier for an inspection of your system before you use it. If you have a solar electrical system, this system should be inspected by a licensed technician to verify that the solar panels and electrical wiring are safe for continued operation.

Fire restrictions and closures near the fire area are in place on the Sierra National Forest. This closure will support public safety by keeping public members out of hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the Fire without public interference. For additional information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices.