River Fire: Multiple evacuation orders reduced to evacuation warnings
Authorities in Madera County have declared a local state of emergency as the firefight against the River Fire continues.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Wednesday afternoon, CAL FIRE reduced multiple evacuation orders in Madera County to evacuation warnings. Some evacuation warnings were also lifted as containment on the flames grew.
Authorities in Madera County declared a local state of emergency as the firefight against the River Fire continues.
The Madera County Board of Supervisors signed the resolution Tuesday morning as the wildfire burning in Madera and Mariposa counties grew to 9,500 acres overnight.
The Madera County Sheriff's Office said the emergency order would help the county access more resources from the state and federal governments. Local government resources have become strained as local firefighters continue to battle the flames.
"We continue to closely monitor this evolving situation. The extreme heat and winds have proven to be challenging for not only fire personnel, but those working to support those efforts. This proclamation will provide much-needed resources to support our community in Madera County," Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said in a statement.
The fire broke out Sunday afternoon along Oak Grove Road and Oak Grove School Road in Mariposa County. It's about eight miles south of Bootjack and 14 miles north of Raymond.
Containment over the wildfire also grew to 28%, CAL FIRE said Wednesday evening.
Firefighters have updated the number of structures destroyed to five since the fire sparked Sunday afternoon.
That's down from the eight structures reported earlier this week.
Another 600 buildings remain threatened by the flames.
Firefighters are working to keep the flames from jumping over Road 600.
Monday evening, the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said that all evacuation orders in Mariposa County had been reduced to a fire advisory.
Deputies are asking residents to keep an eye on the fire activity and be prepared to leave if conditions change. You are still asked to avoid the area.
Click here for a map of the evacuated areas.
Evacuation Orders
Evacuation Warnings
A temporary evacuation point has been established at New Life Christian Fellowship at 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338. If residents in the area have questions, they can call CAL FIRE at 844-668-3473.
Madera County residents are urged to sign up for alerts on evacuation orders and warnings here.
Mariposa County residents are urged to sign up for alerts here.
Nearly 1,300 fire personnel are battling the fast-moving flames. Firefighters are attacking the flames from the ground and air.
CAL FIRE officials said the high heat and low humidity have made things difficult.
The quick-moving fire is all too familiar for local residents after last year's Creek Fire.
CAL FIRE investigators are looking into how the fire started.
This story is developing. Stay with us for updates.
