Hundreds of homes still threatened by Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County

MARIPOSA COUNTY (KFSN) -- Roads are being cleared and fire crews are looking for hot spots as the Detwiler Fire continues to burn. The blaze has already burned more than 80,200 acres-- growing slightly over night.

Cal Fire officials said it is burning in steep terrain near the Merced River drainage, making it difficult for crews to reach and establish containment lines.

"The fire is not progressing as fast in that area, but there's still thick vegetation that's very drought stressed," said Jordan Motta, Cal Fire.

The wildfire fire has destroyed more than 100 structures in its path. Hundreds of homes in the north part of the county are still under active evacuation orders, and Cal Fire officials said the fire's fierce behavior is out of the ordinary.

"Fire activity usually decreases at night, and it did somewhat, but not as much as we're used to seeing."

A windmill is one of the only few things still standing on Frankie Watkins' property. She said her home was reduced to rubble and 30 years of memories have turned to ashes.

"It's losing the important things-- the pictures, the baby books, things my children made-- all of that."

PG&E officials said they have restored electricity to remaining customers who returned home, and have repaired most of their damaged power poles.

Cal Fire crews are working on checking for any areas still burning, and clearing it to make sure it doesn't spread.

In the meantime, many of those affected, like Watkins, are looking forward. She said she is already working with her insurance on rebuilding.

"You just have to move forward, accept what's happened and go from there."

There is a meeting at the Greeley Hill Community Club Thursday night at 7:00. Cal Fire and several other agencies will be there to answer questions and update the community on the latest with the fire.