Update Mariposa & Madera Fires
Mariposa County, CA — Cal Fire reports an unattended campfire is what sparked the Carstens fire near Mariposa. The Associated Press reports the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said today that a human caused the fire but did not release more details about where it started. The flames are threatening nearly 800 homes in the Sierra Foothills. Cal Fire has evacuated 1,500 residents.
Evacuation orders are in effect for these areas:
• Hites Cove
• Jerseydale
• Clarks Valley
• Mariposa Pines
• Lush Meadows
• Darrah Rd. from Valley View Rd. to Triangle Rd.
• Deer Springs
The flames have devoured 1,600 acres which is about 2.5 square miles of vegetation east of Highway 140 near Midpines on the main route into Yosemite National Park. Today’s weather is expected to help out a bit with temperatures dropping by 10 degrees and the humidity rising slightly in the fire zone near Mariposa.
The Associated Press reports one resident said she knew the fire was headed for her home when she saw charred leaves drifting at her. The Carstens fire is 15 percent contained at this time. Click here for a map.
Down in Madera County, the Rolling Fire has burned 482 acres and its 95% contained. It is located off Highway 41. Cal fire say the cause of that blaze is still under investigation. Click here to view a map.
