River Fire near Yosemite National Park is now 100% contained
UPDATE: The River Fire near Yosemite is 100% contained at 9,656 acres, Cal Fire announced Monday night.
UPDATE: Cal Fire on Monday morning reported the River Fire burning southwest of Yosemite National Park was 97% contained. The acreage burned remained 9,656.
ORIGINAL STORY: The River Fire burning in the Sierra Nevada foothills southwest of Yosemite National Park was at 86% containment by Sunday night, even as assessment teams reported six homes were destroyed and another damaged in the now 1-week-old blaze.
Crews over the weekend bolstered containment lines and extinguished hot spots in the fire that has been burning since July 11 in Madera and Mariposa counties.
Fire activity was minimal overnight Saturday, with the total acreage burned remaining at 9,656 in Sunday’s 7 p.m. report from Cal Fire. There was still no estimated date for full containment.
“Damage inspection is complete and the number of destroyed and damaged homes is final,” Cal Fire had stated Saturday night.
In addition to the seven residences, six other minor structures were destroyed and another damaged.
There have been no injuries reported among first responders or civilians.
Lightning threat a concern
A Red Flag Warning was issued throughout the Sierra Nevada over the weekend, warning of a potentially devastating combination of dry lightning strikes and critically dry conditions.
Cal Fire reminded residents to remain vigilant, even as River Fire-related evacuations and road closures have been lifted, and be prepared to flee in the event that fire activity changes.
Officials did receive a break from the heat as temperatures dropped Sunday toward more closer-to-normal levels.
Heavy firefighter presence remains
Total personnel dropped to 478 as of the Sunday night update, with two helicopters, 49 engines, 11 water tenders and two bulldozers assigned to the blaze.
There were more than 1,200 involved in firefighting efforts as late as Thursday. Agencies involved included the Madera and Mariposa county sheriff’s offices, Madera County Fire, Mariposa County Fire, Merced County Fire and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Although roads in and around the burn area have reopened, drivers were urged to continue to watch for emergency vehicles in the area.
An array of planning and other tips and information is available at readyforwildfire.org.
This story was originally published July 17, 2021 at 8:15 AM with the headline "River Fire near Yosemite National Park is now 100% contained."
