MARIPOSA COUNTY — The Ben Fire, burning in the Ben Hur area of Mariposa County, is now reported at about 600 acres with 0 percent containment.
No structures are threatened at this time, according to Cal Fire, and no evacuations have been ordered.
At about 4 p.m., a full wildland dispatch was called out to a fire reported near 3081 Ben Hur Road near Silver Bar Road. It grew quickly to 20 acres within 30 minutes, and continues to push northeast from the point of origin.
The fire is burning in grass and oak woodland. There are road closures at Silver Bar and Ashworth, and Ben Hur and Lower Silver Bar, according to Cal Fire.
Engines from Cal Fire and Mariposa County Fire are at scene, plus dozers, water tenders and aircraft.
Air resources are returning to base as of 8 p.m., with Air Attack, three helicopters and two air tankers scheduled to be overhead at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
PCFs from five companies have been called up to man their engines to cover stations not staffed due to the call-out to the Ben Fire.
We will update as conditions develop.
