Detwiler Fire leaves devastation in its wake as it continues its rampage through Mariposa County

MARIPOSA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The towns of Mariposa and Coulterville remain evacuated as the fire races towards their homes. At least 1,500 structures are threatened by the blaze and it is only 10-percent contained.

The fire exploded overnight-- just on Wednesday the fire was less than 46,000 acres. Now, more than 3,000 firefighters are working to douse the flames.

"Unfortunately, here off of Highway 49 not only outbuildings, but unfortunately residences have been completely destroyed. So we have crews in there surveying the area mopping up the hot spots," said Mike Mohler, Cal Fire.

The Fire has blackened more than 70,000 acres in some areas the fire has just burned the grass and brush, but in other areas completely destroyed everything.

"We are seeing the extreme fire conditions-- you can see not only with the brush but the homes-- some homes were right in the middle were not impacted but unfortunately maybe the one next-door. So really it's up to Mother Nature how these fires burn," said Mohler.

The firefighting effort is now on north the north and south boundaries. The blaze does not appear to be a direct threat to the town of Mariposa but it is still under an evacuation order.

The "Little Church in the Hills" has been there for 76 years. The non-denominational church and Christian school has now destroyed.

A total of 45 structures have been destroyed and another 4,500 are considered at risk, according to Cal Fire.

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