MARIPOSA COUNTY–Early afternoon yesterday, Tuesday, July 30th, air and ground firefighters were dispatched to a new wildfire in the Don Pedro area. The fire was found to be 15 to 20 acres burning at a moderate rate of spread and threatening structures. It had started near the west end of Piney Creek Road. It became the Pedro Fire. Evacuations were implemented right away in areas in the fires path. The lead airplane (air attack) ordered additional air tankers, helicopters, and MAFFS (Modules Aerial Fire Fighting Systems), also known as very large air tankers. By 3:30 pm the fire had burned approximately 600 acres and was still burning at a moderate rate of spread and threatening structures.
As the sun set over the fire, a spot fire was discovered on the Hunters Valley side of the Merced River. Immediately homes in the previously burned area of the Detwiler Fire were informed of the possibility of needing to evacuate. The spot fire was found to be approximately 20 acres and well established. Eventually the spot fire was updated to 250 acres as firefighters worked there way into the area to begin firefighting efforts.
We will update this article when more information is received.
Update 3:00 pm 7.31.2024
The fire is now 3647 acres per CALFIRE. Containment has increased to 10%.
Currently, per the CALFIRE website, the fire has burned 2,727 acres and is 7% contained.
Here are the updated evacuations, shelters and road closures from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:
EVACUATION ORDERS
- Deputies are currently on scene actively evacuating residents in the area.
- Hunters Valley Area- Hunters Valley Rd to Bear Valley Rd & Detwiler Rd
- Piney Creek Rd
EVACUATION WARNINGS
This warning has been issued to allow residents in the area to begin to plan and prepare to evacuate should conditions change.
- Arbolada Rd
- Barrett’s Cove Boat Launch Area
- North Side of Hwy 132 from Merced Falls to Jones Rd
- South Side of Hwy 132 from Jones Rd to Horseshoe Bend Including Horseshoe Bend Rec area
ROAD CLOSURES
- Piney Creek
- Hunters Valley Rd
- Spring Gulch
- Cotton Creek at Hunters Valley Rd
If you need assistance with large animals/ livestock please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 209-966-3615.
Evacuation Shelters
- Temporary Evacuation Point-McKay Hall, 2820 Hwy 140, Catheys Valley.
- Red Cross Shelter-New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road, Bootjack.
MAP OF AREA: https://arcg.is/0y0Hia
FIRE INFORMATION: A fire information line has been established for the incident. 1-844-668-3473.
MSO ALERT/ EVERBRIDGE NOTIFICATIONS
Evacuation Order and Evacuation Warnings are sent via MSO Alert/Everbridge to the affected areas only. This is in order to limit confusion for those not in the affected areas or not familiar with the areas. Daily general fire updates will be sent to all those enrolled in the MSO Alert/Everbridge system. For more up to date information please visit our Facebook page at Mariposa Sheriff Facebook, or download the Mariposa County Sheriff App from the Google Play store or the Apple Store. If you live in any of the affected areas and have not received messages please contact our office at 209-966-3615 extension 2206.
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