River Fire: Containment over 9,500-acre wildfire increases to 44%

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters continued to gain containment overnight on the River Fire burning in Madera and Mariposa counties.

The 9,500-acre wildfire is now 44% contained, CAL FIRE said Thursday.

All evacuation orders, warnings and road closures have been lifted in both Madera and Mariposa counties.

Officials said weather conditions were favorable for firefighters. Crews are continuing to mop up hot spots and strengthen their control lines.

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.
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.

Earlier this week, authorities in Madera County declared a local state of emergency as the firefight against the River Fire continues.

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.

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 1,200 fire personnel are battling the flames.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.

This story is developing. Stay with us for updates.