Highway 140 reopens to Yosemite National Park while fire crews make progress against Oak Fire
Highway 140 was reopened through Mariposa County to Yosemite National Park, the U.S. Forest Service announced.
It’s the latest sign that fire crews continue to make progress on the Oak Fire that has decimated parts of the mountainous areas of Mariposa County. As of Wednesday morning, it had burned 18,175 acres and was 32% contained.
In addition, some evacuations previously ordered were reduced to fire advisements.
Cal Fire, however, reiterated Tuesday night that much work needed to be done.
“Very steep and rugged terrain continue to pose a challenge to crews on the North and Northeastern side of the fire, which is making the area inaccessible to bulldozers, requiring hand crews to access by foot to cut in direct fire line,” Cal Fire’s Tuesday night report stated. “Smoke in the area also hampered aircraft. More resources will be sent to the north to assist with fire suppression.
“As forecasted, the monsoonal moisture increased relative humidity and lowered temperatures by a few degrees. Damage inspection continues and numbers are updated daily.”
One area of great concern was the Lushmeadows community, considered one of the most densely populated communities in the county.
An infrared flight over the fire showed minimal heat Tuesday in Lushmeadows and the surrounding communities.
Evacuation orders reduced to fire advisements
The following areas have had evacuation orders reduced to fire advisements and are open only to residents living in the area.
Darrah Road from Bootjack Lane to Quail Ridge Drive including all side roads to the fire’s edge
Cole Road including all side roads
Silva Road from Carleton Road to Van Ness Road
Carleton Road from Silva Road to Indian Rock Lane including Indian Rock Lane
Allred Road
Morningstar Road including all side roads
For the most current evacuation map, visit here.
Highway 140 reopens
The fire started Friday afternoon near the Highway 140 community of Midpines. Soon after, the section of the highway between Midpines and Mariposa was closed, effectively shutting off the Merced River canyon route into Yosemite National Park.
The highway was reopened at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Cal Fire asked drivers to be extra cautious on the highway as fire equipment may be on or near the roadway.
Size, containment
The number of homes destroyed in the Oak Fire doubled in 24 hours on Wednesday, Cal Fire said in the latest update.
The blaze has destroyed 49 homes, Cal Fire said, and 25 outbuildings. Another 1,138 are threatened by the fire that moved quickly after sparking on Friday.
“Firefighters worked overnight to increase containment lines around the fire perimeter,” Cal Fire said on Wednesday.
The blaze was 32% contained through 7 a.m. Wednesday, and grew 183 acres since the previous night’s update.
The National Interagency Fire Center’s nationwide situation report shows the estimated cost to fight the Oak Fire so far at $15.3 million.
There were 3,154 personnel working on the Oak Fire, in addition to 286 engines and two dozen helicopters.
No injuries have been reported. The cause is under investigation.
Forest closure orders
Fire restrictions and closures near the fire area are in place on the Sierra National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service for the Sierra National Forest said portions of lands, roads and trails would be closed from Monday through Aug. 19 due to the threat of the Oak Fire to public safety.
The Forest Order could be terminated sooner if conditions change.
“The Fire’s behavior consists of flanking, backing, and creeping through National Forest Systems lands, roads and recreational areas,” Forest Supervisor Dean Gould wrote. “This closure will support public safety to keeping public members out of hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the (Oak) fire without public interference.”
For an interactive map that show what parts of the Sierra National Forest are closed, click here and view Exhibit A.
GoFundMe verifying Oak Fire fundraisers
GoFundMe established a centralized hub that will identify all verified fundraisers created to help those who have lost their businesses, homes, and have been displaced by the Oak Fire.
GoFundMe has a dedicated “Trust & Safety” team to review fundraisers related to the Oak Fire.
As new fundraisers are created and verified by the GoFundMe Trust & Safety team, the fundraisers will be added to the hub.
The purpose is to ensure all funds raised are safely transferred to the right place, GoFundMe said.
The hub can be found at gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california/central.
