Colorado Fire Forces Evacuations, Closes Highway 140
A fast-moving wildfire that erupted along Highway 140 Tuesday afternoon has burned 250 acres, forced residents from their homes and closed a section of the highway west of Mariposa, while a temporary evacuation point has opened for those displaced by the fire.
The Colorado Fire was reported Tuesday, Sept. 1, near Highway 140 and Colorado Road in Mariposa County.
According to CAL FIRE’s latest official update, issued at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, the fire had burned 250 acres and remained 0% contained, with 45 structures threatened.
The fire grew rapidly during its first hours. CAL FIRE reported it at approximately 30 acres at 2:49 p.m. before increasing the estimate to 171 acres shortly afterward and 250 acres by early Tuesday evening.
Steep terrain has made portions of the fire difficult for ground crews to access. CAL FIRE said numerous firefighting air tankers were being used as conditions allowed.
As of Tuesday night, 126 personnel were assigned to the incident, including 14 engines, four helicopters, three hand crews, two dozers and three water tenders.
Crash Reported Near Start of Fire
While CAL FIRE continues to officially list the cause of the Colorado Fire as under investigation, the California Highway Patrol told ABC30 that a two-vehicle collision on Highway 140 sparked the fire.
According to the ABC30 report, CHP said a cement truck traveling east on Highway 140 crossed into the opposing lane while negotiating a curve Tuesday afternoon. The truck overturned and slid into a small tour bus traveling west before the crash sparked the wildfire.
Only the driver was aboard the tour bus and was not injured, according to the report. The cement truck driver was reportedly awake following the collision, although the extent of the driver’s injuries was not known.
CAL FIRE has not yet officially identified the collision as the cause of the fire.
Evacuation Orders Remain in Place
As of CAL FIRE’s latest Tuesday night update, evacuation orders were in effect for Mariposa County zones 546, 548 and 549.
Evacuation warnings were in effect for zones 550 and 551.
Residents should check current information from Mariposa County emergency officials before relying on previously issued evacuation maps or zone lists, as conditions and evacuation areas can change quickly.
Highway 140 remained closed from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel Tuesday night.
Red Cross Opens Evacuation Point
The American Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter has opened a temporary evacuation point at:
New Life Calvary Chapel Mariposa
5089 Cole Road
Mariposa
Working with Mariposa County Health and Human Services, Red Cross volunteers are providing people displaced by the Colorado Fire with a safe place to go along with water, meals, snacks, emotional support and other resources.
Small pets are welcome at the evacuation point. Pet owners are encouraged to bring food, water, carriers and leashes when possible.
Large-animal assistance is also available through Mariposa County. Residents needing information can call 209-966-3615.
The Red Cross encourages anyone staying at an evacuation location to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other essential items when possible. Families should also bring necessities for children or family members with additional needs.
People seeking Red Cross shelter information can call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Mariposa County has also established a Colorado Fire call center at 844-668-3473.
Residents Urged to Be Ready
The Red Cross is urging residents near the affected area to be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and follow instructions from local officials.
Residents who may need to leave should know where they plan to go, how they will get there and where they will stay. Those with vehicles are encouraged to keep their gas tanks full and park facing the direction they would use to evacuate.
Pets should be kept where they can be quickly located if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Residents should continue monitoring official evacuation information, road closures and emergency alerts. Anyone who believes they are in immediate danger should leave rather than wait for an official evacuation notification.
The Colorado Fire remains an active incident, and conditions can change rapidly.