Update: Fire In Mariposa Closes Section Of Highway 140

Published Sep 1, 2026 2:43 pm : Updated Sep 1, 2026 5:39 pm

Colorado Fire burning near Midpines along Highway 140 in Mariposa County—MCSO photo

Update at 5:30 p.m.: CAL Fire reports that the Colorado Fire near Midpines in Mariposa County is now estimated at 250 acres in size. The blaze has closed a section of Highway 140 leading into Yosemite National Park and forced evacuations, with 45 structures threatened. Mariposa County Sheriff’s officials report new evacuation warnings and road closures (click here for evacuation map).

MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER:

• Rancheria Creek Rd
• Briceburg (including all campgrounds)
• Octagon Area

EVACUATION WARNINGS:

• Colorado Rd—from Hwy 140 to Rancheria Creek
• Buffalo Gulch Rd
• Savage’s Trading Post along Hwy 140

ROAD CLOSURES: We reported earlier that the CHP is reporting a tour bus versus cement truck crash on Highway 140 just east of Midpines that started a fire, which spread to roadside brush.

• Hwy 140 from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel
• Rancheria Creek Rd.

LARGE ANIMAL EVACUATIONS: Call 209-966-3615, option 1.

Evacuation Shelters:

New Life Christian Church (Small animals accepted)
5089 Cole Road
Mariposa, CA

POWER OUTAGE:
PG&E has turned off power in the affected area. Currently, 20 customers are impacted.

• Engines 14
• Water Tenders 3
• Helicopters 4
• Dozers 2
• Hand Crews 3
• Other 15
• Total Personnel 126

Update at 4:35 p.m.: CAL FIRE reports that the Colorado Fire, a vegetation fire near Midpines in Mariposa County that has closed a section of Highway 140 leading into Yosemite National Park and forced evacuations, is now estimated at 200 acres. 

Update at 3:35 p.m.: Fire crews are continuing to work the Colorado Fire, a vegetation fire near Midpines in Mariposa County that has closed a section of Highway 140 leading into Yosemite National Park and forced evacuations.

Highway 140 is currently closed from the Briceburg Bridge to the Yosemite Bug Hostel due to a traffic collision and associated fire. We reported earlier that the CHP was reporting a tour bus versus cement truck crash on Highway 140 just east of Midpines that started a fire, which spread to roadside brush. There is currently no estimated time for reopening, and motorists are asked to avoid the area and use an alternate route. The blaze is estimated at 171 acres and burning at a rapid rate, according to CAL FIRE. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office (click here for a map):

EVACUATION ORDER:
Rancheria Creek Rd
Briceburg (including all campgrounds)
Octagon Area

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
Colorado Rd—from Hwy 140 to Rancheria Creek
ROAD CLOSURES:
Hwy 140 from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel

Temporary Evacuation Point—New Life Calvary Chapel—5089 Cole Rd, Mariposa 

Original post at 14:43 p.m.: Mariposa County, CA – Fire crews are battling the Colorado Fire, a vegetation fire near Midpines, that has closed a section of Highway 140 leading into Yosemite National Park.

The blaze is 25-30 acres in size and is burning at a rapid rate, according to CAL FIRE. An evacuation order and warning have been issued in the Rancheria Creek Road area; click here for a map.

The CHP is reporting a possible tour bus versus cement truck crash on Highway 140 just east of Midpines that started a fire, which spread to roadside brush, but it is unclear whether that sparked this fire at this time.