River Fire update: Wildfire near Yosemite at 9,500 acres as it enters third day burning

Read the latest updates on the River Fire >> Containment improves overnight; Madera County state of emergency

The River Fire burning west of Yosemite National Park continued to grow even as crews gained some containment overnight.

The fire, which started along the Mariposa and Madera county border near Oak Grove Road and Oak Grove School Road on Sunday evening, nearly doubled in size on Monday.

Since Monday morning, the wildfire expanded to the east, and the fire had crept to within a couple of miles of the town of Ahwahnee. It also was within about four miles of the community of Nipinnawasee. Both Madera County towns sit along Highway 49 – and both were heavily damaged by another fire 60 years earlier.

Tuesday morning Cal Fire had the wildfire listed at 9,500 acres. Containment grew to 15% overnight.

More than 1,300 firefighters are now attached to the blaze, including 161 engines, 24 dozers and 30 crews. In addition, air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow, Cal Fire said.

As of Tuesday morning four structures were listed as destroyed and some 600 are threatened.

“Firefighters continue to aggressively attack the fire while dangerous heat persists,” Cal Fire reported.

“Low humidity, tree torching, wind driven runs and frequent spot fires continue to challenge firefighters. Crews are working hard to construct and reinforce control lines. Damage assessment is ongoing.”

Evacuation updates

On Tuesday morning, evacuations were in place in Madera County for Road 800, Road 810, Road 812, Road 600, Apache Road to 612 both sides and Road 600 between Apache Ranch and Blazing Saddle Trail, and JWP Ranch Road.

Evacuation warnings were in place for Road 600, Road 612 and Road 415.

In Mariposa County, Indian Peak at Usona to Road 800, Oak Grove Road at Oak Grove School Road to Road 800 and Stumpfield from Leonard to Madera County Line are open, but to residents only.

Emergency notifications can be found at MCAlert.org for Madera County and MSOAlert.com for Mariposa County.

This story was originally published July 13, 2021 at 8:06 AM with the headline "River Fire update: Wildfire near Yosemite at 9,500 acres as it enters third day burning."