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Crash-Triggered Colorado Fire Grows to Roughly 250 Acres in Mariposa County

Rugged slopes blocking ground crews are forcing reliance on aircraft for suppression and stressing local evacuations and utilities.

Overview

  • The fire began after a cement truck crossed lanes, overturned and struck a small tour bus on Highway 140, and officials identified the crash as the ignition source.
  • The blaze expanded rapidly to about 250 acres with zero percent containment as of the latest reports, and firefighters say steep terrain is limiting ground access.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders and warnings cover multiple zones west of Yosemite, with a temporary shelter for people and small animals set up at New Life Calvary Chapel.
  • Highway 140 is closed from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel, roughly 45 structures were reported threatened, and PG&E cut power for about 136 customers as a precaution.
  • Cal Fire and local agencies have deployed large air and ground resources, the cause remains under investigation, and Yosemite National Park is not currently threatened.