Fast-Moving Oak Fire Burns Over 15K Acres, Forces Thousands To Flee

MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA — A fast-moving wildfire in central California's Mariposa County has burned more than 15,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate the area.

The blaze, called the Oak Fire, sparked at 2:10 p.m. Friday on Highway 140 near Carstens Road, just outside Yosemite National Park, according to Cal Fire. By Saturday, the fire had already grown to become California's biggest wildfire in 2022, according to Cal Fire's database.

As of 9:17 p.m. Sunday, the fire has scorched 15,603 acres and remained 0 percent contained, Cal Fire said. At least 10 structures were destroyed and five structures were damaged.

More equipment and personnel arrived on Sunday to join the fight. A total of 63 fire crews with 2,548 personnel, as well as 281 fire engines, 6 dozers, 46 water tenders and 17 helicopters were assigned to fight the flames Sunday, according to Cal Fire.

"Today the weather is expected to remain hot with minimum humidity between 5 and 10 percent, which will hamper firefighting efforts," Cal Fire said "High tree mortality and dense fuels are throughout the fire area. Fire evacuation and advisories remain in effect."

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday for Mariposa County after the fire destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure, and forced more than 3,000 people to evacuate their homes, according to a news release from his office.

Evacuations were ordered for Mariposa County communities surrounding the fire, as shown in an online map. A Red Cross evacuation center was established at Mariposa Elementary School at 5044 Jones St. in Mariposa.

Smoke from the wildfire prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory for Monday in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.

Also see:

• Thousands Lose Power As 'Oak Fire' Grows To 9,500 Acres, 0% Contained
• Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Advisory For Monday In Bay Area