Yosemite-area fire destroys 45 structures and grows to 70k acres

Visalia Times-Delta

Fire crews from across the state are trying to contain a fire that's grown to more than 70,000 acres.

The fire outside Yosemite National Park had swelled to 70,000 acres Thursday morning and destroyed 45 structures, fire officials said.

More than 3,100 firefighters are on hand to continue to try to contain it, looking to protect the historic foothills town of Mariposa and keep one of the nation's most popular national parks open to its estimated 20,000 daily visitors.

In an afternoon update, Cal Fire officials said 1,500 structures are still threatened, and six have been damaged in addition to those destroyed. Fire officials also released the latest cost of the fire, which comes in near $11 million.

The biggest expense, besides payroll, is the dozen or more air tankers, which make water drops hourly. Cal Fire has also called in black hawk helicopters to help.

Late Wednesday night, fire teams battling the growing Detwiler Fire in Mariposa conducted a fire operation to create a fire line near Old Highway, where the fire was rapidly making its way over the hillside earlier in the day.

"The fire is burning in drought stricken chaparral and in an area of severe tree mortality," according to the agency's official report. "Damage assessment crews are on scene to evaluate and inspect the area."

Cal Fire said lines supplying power to Yosemite National Park continue to be threatened.

"Here in Yosemite National Park we are seeing impacts from the smoke, so we advise anyone in the park with asthma to be aware of air quality," said Jaime Richard, Yosemite National Park spokeswoman. "But, Yosemite National Park is open and we aren't seeing a significant impact at this time."

Park trails, campsites and amenities remain open. Park staffers who are able to step in the place of those impacted by the fire are doing so, Richard said.

"We're able to cover shifts and move people around," Richard said. "A lot of the staff members are impacted by this."

Despite the blaze, families from across the country are continuing to make their way into the park.

"Yosemite National Park is open and it's still a great time to come visit," Richard said.

Portions of Highways 140 and 49 are closed, as are other roads in the area of the fire.

Evacuation orders cover some 5,000 people.

"It's really moving in all directions," said Nancy Phillipe, Yosemite National Park fire information officer. "The increase of acreage was caused by increased activity late yesterday afternoon. Today firefighters are working on reinforce lines."

Wednesday evening, a community meeting was held in Oakhurst to inform residents of all that had occurred and to answer any questions. More than 200 people attended the meeting.

"I think the community and everyone appreciates everything that is being done," Phillipe said. "We understand the inconvenience for these folks that have been evacuated from their homes. Before we get them back home, we want to ensure that power is there and that it's safe."

Ground crews work on an area where the Detwiler Fire has passed through Wednesday. More than 2,200 people were assigned to fight the blaze.

The Red Cross has set up shelters in the following locations:

Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church – 50443 High School Road, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Cesar E. Chavez Middle School – 161 Plainsburg Rd., Planada, CA 95365
Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church – 39696 CA41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Mountain Christian Center – 40299 CA49, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Groveland Community Hall – 18720 Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321

In addition, small animals can be sheltered at EV Free Church, 50443 School House Road in Oakhurst and at Cesar Chavez Middle School, 161 Plainsburg Road, Planada.
Large animals can be taken to Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds, 44777 Rodeo Grounds Ln, Coarsegold or the Horsemen Association, 499 Nevada St, Merced.