MARIPOSA COUNTY – Huge columns of smoke have been visible the last two days over the Ferguson Fire as the high pressure system weakens and the inversion lifts earlier in the day. The fire is now estimated at 69,440 acres and is 41 percent contained. Damage assessment teams have been able to get into some of the burn areas of ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – When the Ferguson Fire was first reported just before sundown on Friday, July 13, initial estimates by the first units at scene reported it at about 100 acres. It was burning in extremely steep terrain through very dry fuels, and the Sierra National Forest is ground zero for tree mortality. Within 24 hours it had grown to ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY –  The Ferguson Fire grew by 5,727 acres overnight and is now estimated at 68,610 acres with 39 percent containment. Officials are reporting this morning that a spot fire on the north has resulted in the closure of Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) because of smoke and congestion from firefighting vehicles and equipment. The road is closed ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The Ferguson Fire is now estimated at 63,798 acres with 39 percent containment. The fire grew by 915 acres today. Just before 6 p.m., several spot fires outside the lines on the southeast corner, and falling embers, prompted the evacuation of the community of Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. Officials say the evacuation was precautionary. At 7 p.m., ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The Ferguson Fire is now estimated at 62,883 acres and is 39 percent contained. On the eastern perimeter inside Yosemite National Park, crews advanced tactical firing south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) toward Wawona Campground. On the south, firefighters conducting firing operations east from Crow Peak along the Chowchilla Mountain Road, toward Wawona Campground. On the north ...

CALIFORNIA – Today there are nearly 13,000 firefighters on the lines of 16 large wildfires burning across California. To date, these fires have burned over 320,000 acres and damaged or destroyed over 1,600 structures. Some 17,000 homes continue to be threatened by these fires, and more than 32,000 residents have been evacuated. The Carr Fire is now the sixth most ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Firefighters held the growth of the Ferguson Fire to just 228 acres today. The fire is now estimated at 58,074 acres and is still 33 percent contained. Officials announced earlier today that the closure of some portions of Yosemite National Park will be extended to Aug. 5. Firefighters cannot always count on being able to conduct firing ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park officials have announced that Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, and other areas will remain closed to all visitors through Sunday, Aug. 5, due to continued unhealthy smoke impacts and ongoing firefighting operations. The park will continue to assess conditions and reevaluate all ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – While firefighters are out on the lines working to contain the Ferguson Fire, there are folks working behind the scenes to keep the wheels turning and the motors running. Needless to say, equipment breaks down, tires go flat, vehicle accidents happen, and you can’t just call AAA. The job of Ground Support is crucial to the success ...

SONORA – Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken has signed a forest order closing several Groveland Ranger District roads and trails impacted by the Ferguson Fire. This closure is based on the current and expected fire behavior and will be in effect until Sept. 30, or until replaced or rescinded. Crews and firefighters with heavy equipment and driving emergency vehicles ...