Raging Oak Fire now 15,603 acres, 0% containment
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/23/2022 - 7:22pm
UPDATE 7:00 PM: The Oak Fire is now 15,603 acres in size and remains 0 percent contained. During a packed community meeting tonight in Mariposa, fire officials said that, even though the containment line is at zero, they have been able to stop the spread of fire to the south. The active areas are to the north and the northeast, into the Sierra. There are a couple of fire scars in its current path that won't stop the fire but could slow it and let them get resources into the area.
Sheriff Briese said there will be a large showing of law enforcement in the evacuated areas. To date, ten structures have been destroyed, five damaged.
2,093 personnel are assigned to the fire.
MARIPOSA, Calif. - The Oak Fire raging outside of Yosemite ballooned to 11,900 acres on Saturday. Ten structures have been lost, with another five damaged.
The Oak Fire activity is extreme according to CalFIRE, with frequent runs, spot fires, and group torching. Emergency personnel are working to safely evacuate people and are actively engaged in protecting structures. Explosive fire behavior is challenging for firefighters.
The fire began Friday in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada near the small community of Midpines, roughly a 9-mile drive northeast of the county seat, the town of Mariposa, state fire officials said.
Smoke from the fire was staying to the southeast of Lake Tahoe, but smoke can be seen over the Carson Valley and east shore Saturday night. A fire and smoke map can be seen her - https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Today, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Mariposa County due to the Oak Fire, which not only has destroyed homes but has threatened critical infrastructure and forced evacuations. This action helps draw down additional resources to help local residents.