Telegraph Fire Relief Fund & Donations
Victim's Relief Fund
Yosemite Bank
P.O. Box 1267
Mariposa, CA 95338
Acct. # 307005660
(209) 966-2456
Mariposa Drop-Off Donations
Pioneer Village
5008 Highway 140
Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm
(209) 966-2000
Jon Currie Fund
Yosemite Bank -Mariposa Branch
P.O. Box 1267
Mariposa, CA 95338
Mariposa County SPCA
If you would like to donate to the Mariposa County SPCA, call (209) 966-5275.
(The Mariposa County SPCA was caring for many evacuated pets.)
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Map - Telegraph Fire (PDF)
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Telegraph Fire Information
Last Update - Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 8:30am
Geographic Location:
Mariposa, Mt. Bullion, Bear Valley, Midpines, Briceburg, and Greeley Hill
Acres: 34,091
Start Date: 7/25/2008 @1510 hours
% containment: 100%
Cause: Target shooting
Injuries: 38 (all minor injuries)
Current Threats
There is no threat to structures in the communities of Midpines, Mariposa, and Bear Valley.
Evacuations
All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted as of 10:00pm on 08/02/2008.
The Red Cross Local Assistance and Distribution Center at the Midpines Community Center will close today at 5:00 pm. Those who are unable to get to the service center can call the Red Cross Fresno-Madera Chapter at (559) 455-1000.
Structures Information
30 Residence are destroyed.
100 Outbuildings
0 Structures Threatened
This number has increased due to a complete damage assesment.
Current Situation
No anticipated growth unless a significant event occurs. Concerns still remain in the northeastern portion of the fire. Fire suppression repair is ongoing. Significant demobilization of resources is in progress.
Highway 140 subject to brief traffic delays, north of Midpines and south of El Portal. For the latest highway conditions visit Caltrans.
Resources Assigned
Crews: 36
Engines: 76
Helicopters: 3
Dozers: 6
Water Tender: 32
Total Personnel: 1,522
Cost to date: $36.5 Million
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SOLID WASTE ADVISORY FOR RESIDENTS ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY TELEGRAPH FIRE
Mariposa County Public Works is working with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to streamline the disaster recovery phase. Advisory bulletins will be issued as plans to handle priority waste streams are developed.
• Pour liquids/beverages down the drain and recycle the plastic and glass containers.
• Empty food containers into your garbage can and recycle the plastic and glass containers.
• Minimize plastic bags by combining as much food as possible into one garbage can or bag.
• Bring spoiled food to the following locations:
o Midpines Community Center, Mykeloaks, Colorado & E. Whitlock, French Camp
Dumpsters will be available starting late Thursday afternoon July 31, 2008 for a 24- hour period. The limited timeframe is meant to reduce vandalism and dumping of nonfood waste. Other locations will be made available as new areas open to residents.
Mariposa County Public Works is developing a plan to safely manage other waste streams, including burned appliances, household hazardous waste, and construction debris. This information will be disseminated at public meetings and posted on websites.
If you have other debris that was generated as a direct result of the fire you may want to contact your insurance agent before disposing of the waste.
If you have any questions related to disaster related debris handling please call 966-5356.
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Yosemite National Park Information
Yosemite National Park is still open
PG&E said power has been restored to most of the 560 customers in the Yosemite and El Portal area who were in the dark.
PG&E was able to restore most of the power with the large generator they brought in Tuesday. They are bringing in a second generator that will arrive Wednesday. This generator will serve customers in the outlying areas.
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Mariposa Health Alert: Expectation of Increased Smoke and Ash
Smoke density remains great enough from the Telegraph Fire to constitute a health threat for susceptible people. Everyone, but especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults and children should limit time spent outdoors and limit prolonged or heavy exertion and exercise when smoke is present.
Wearing a mask is not sufficient protection.
Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: if you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.
Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, and even candles. Don't vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don't smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.
If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to excess smoke exposure, including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your health care provider. This Health Alert is in effect until revised as conditions warrant. We project that conditions will remain unhealthy for the next several days.
For additional information, check www.mariposacounty.org/health or call the Health Department/A.P.C.D. at 209-966-2220 or 1-800-777-0377.
For other fire information, you may call the Emergency Information line at 966-1133 or 1-888-966-1133.
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Homeowners Insurance May Cover Living Expenses for Fire Evacuees
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reminded residents who have been evacuated because of the Telegraph Fire in Mariposa County that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Businesses may also be eligible for reimbursement due to lost business.
"The last thing fire evacuees should have to worry about is how to pay for their hotel stays, extra food and other additional living expenses," said Commissioner Poizner. "Many homeowners insurance policies cover some additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Evacuees should check their policies as soon as possible, and if they have any insurance questions, they should call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP."
Many residential homeowners insurance policies cover what is known as ALE, or additional living expenses. This permits homeowners to maintain their normal standard of living by covering the increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or a mandatory evacuation. ALE coverage typically includes extra food costs, increased housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage costs, telephone installation and extra transportation costs to and from school or work.
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