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Some Residents Can Return Home Near Carstens Fire

MARIPOSA – As of Tuesday, June 18, at 6 p.m., officials are reporting that the Carstens Fire is 40% contained. The fire has burned 1,888 acres and no structures have been damaged.

Over 1,000 residents were asked to evacuate the area. There are still over 1,100 firefighters, 62 fire engines, 16 dozers and 30 law enforcement officers assigned to the incident.At this time, firefighters expect the fire to remain within the primary containment lines but there are no guarantees, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. Residents returning to their homes are urged to stay alert, take note of changing conditions and remain in communication with their neighbors.

Fire personnel are likely to be in the area working on mop-up and patrolling the fire line for the next several weeks.

Large fire apparatus, bulldozers on transports and other equipment are still using the roads within and adjacent to the fire. Please reduce your speed and take a little extra time to ensure everyone’s safety.

For the most part, residential electrical power remained on during the evacuation. If you return home and find any issues with your power, contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

The fire area will not be safe to enter for many weeks. Fire weakens trees that can fall in any direction at any time. There may be stump holes filled with hot embers, and other hazards. Entry onto the burned areas is not recommended.

You may see some light smoke coming from the burned area. Light smoke that is well inside the burn in mild weather conditions should not be cause for concern. If you see heavy smoke or the smoke appears to be outside the containment lines call 911.

From the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office –

The following areas are scheduled for re-entry:

Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, June 18, residents in the Lushmeadows sub-division and immediate area that was subject to evacuation order last evening can begin returning home. This includes the entirety of Darrah Road, Triangle Road south to East Westfall, encompassing the entire Lushmeadows sub-division, and area to the north/ north east that intersects with Triangle Road.

Be sure to bring some form of identification to the entry point that shows proof of residency, as non-residents are not being allowed into the area at this time.

Domestic livestock and Pets:

o Domestic livestock and/or pets that are housed at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds can be retrieved between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

o Animals housed at the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Animal Control Facility can be retrieved between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, June 19. If assistance is required please telephone 209-742-4300.

Public Safety Officials are continuing to evaluate conditions in an effort to see that residents of the remaining evacuated areas can return home as soon as it is safe.

***The Jerseydale / Mariposa Pines residential area continues to remain under evacuation order.

***The northern side of Triangle Road between s/r 140 and Jerseydale Road, including all north intersecting roads will remain under evacuation order.

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