MARIPOSA COUNTY – The Wheeler Fire, burning in the Wheeler Gulch Road area of Mariposa County, prompted evacuations and warnings, and the opening of a Red Cross Center.
Just before 12:30 p.m., 911 received several reports of smoke south of Highway 132 near Lake McClure (see map below for general location).
When Air Attack arrived overhead, the fire was estimated at 6 to 8 acres in size, moving in an easterly direction toward Crown Lead Road.
The fire soon grew to about 40 acres, and as of 6 p.m., was estimated at 100 acres with 10 percent containment, burning in steep terrain with heavy fuels and difficult access.
There are currently 14 engines, 14 crews and 1 dozer assigned to the incident.
Mandatory evacuations were issued in the following areas, but have been lifted:
- Mary Harrison Mine Rd
- Old Highway 49 Road
- Crown Lead Road
- Highway 49 North – Between Crown Lead Road and Highway 132
UPDATE: 4:45 p.m. – The Sheriff’s Office has lifted all evacuations.
An Evacuation Advisory was issued for the town of Coulterville to be prepared to evacuate if necessary. An Evacuation Advisory is an alert to media and the public of potential evacuation orders. It contains general information of the incident and how to prepare.
The Red Cross Center established at Lake Don Pedro Elementary School has been closed.
The following road closures are in place, residents only:
- Mary Harrison Mine Rd
- Old Highway 49 Road
- Crown Lead Road
- Highway North 49 – Between Crown Lead Road and Highway 132
Highway 132 is open.
If you live in Mariposa County and have not signed up for Nixle alerts from the Sheriff’s Office to be notified in the event of an emergency, click here to register.
