MARIPOSA COUNTY — A fire burning in the Ben Hur area of Mariposa County is now reported at about 300 acres.
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.
Engines from Cal Fire and Mariposa County Fire are at scene, plus dozers, water tenders and aircraft.
Additional resources continue to be requested, including more crews, engines and aircraft.
The Sheriff’s Office and CHP have also been notified, and are closing Ben Hur Road at Buckeye on the north. Hard closures on roads in the area continue to be put in place, including Ashworth and Silver Bar.
There is reported to be minimal structure threat at this time, but that could change as the fire continues to move, say officials.
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 Hur fire.
We will update as conditions develop.
(Photo by Heidi Williams, shared on MFE).
