YOSEMITE — Lower temperatures and higher humidites have helped to moderate the eight wildfires currently burning in Yosemite National Park. This is the latest update on the Yosemite fires: Empire Discovered: 8/1/17 Location: 1 mile east of Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and 3/4 mile south of Glacier Point Road Size: 6,340 acres Cause: Lightning Containment: 85% Fuels: Red fir ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert due to smoke impacts from the South Fork wildfire, for Madera, Fresno, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. This Air Quality Alert is in effect until Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma ...

YOSEMITE — After increased fire activity on the west flank of the South Fork Fire forced residents of Wawona from their homes yesterday morning, they gathered at the Tenaya Lodge last night to hear from fire officials about the current situation. Incident Commander Deron Mills assured everyone that the decision to evacuate was not taken lightly. “We struggled with this ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — The lightning-caused Butte Fire, burning on the Sierra National Forest, is now estimated at 630 acres. Moderating fire behavior allowed firefighters to make good progress yesterday, achieving 40 percent containment. UPDATE: Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. – The fire is now estimated at 635 acres with 45 percent containment. The fire was first reported on Aug. ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — This is a comprehensive list of all the evacuation areas and road closures from Cal Fire as of 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. (See updates from following days at the bottom of the page). Repopulation Areas 1. Town Proper of Mariposa- Reduced to an Advisory 2. Highway 140 from Hwy 49 South to Old Highway North- ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — As residents who have lost their homes deal with the aftermath, they are faced with yet another danger. The Mariposa County Health Department warns that cleanup and removal of debris and ash from residential fires may be hazardous. Ash and debris from burned buildings and homes can contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Evacuation orders for the following areas will be lifted for residents only on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 12 noon: These areas will still remain under advisory. Evacuation Advisory- Issued alert to media and public of potential evacuation orders.  Contains general information of the incident and how to prepare. Evacuations lifted for these areas: Hwy 49 North ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Firefighters made good progress on the Detwiler Fire today. It is now estimated at 75,000 acres with 25 percent containment. 61 homes have been lost and 13 damaged. One commercial structure has been lost, 63 “minor” buildings have been destroyed and 6 damaged. There are currently 4,408 personnel assigned to the incident including 478 engines, 69 crews, ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — Though residents in the town of Mariposa were allowed to return home today, the Detwiler Fire is by no means over. Active fire behavior continues to challenge firefighters on the north end of the county as it moves through steep, dangerous terrain, and still poses a major threat to the communities of Coulterville, Dogtown and Greeley Hill. (see ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY — The Detwiler Fire is now estimated at 70,096 acres with 10 percent containment. As residents held their breath throughout the night, they woke to news that firelines around both Mariposa and Coulterville have held, and their communities have been spared for yet another day from the erratic fire. However, Cal Fire now reports that 45 structures have ...