California
Oak Fire Update: 26% Contained, 25 Homes Destroyed
Nearly 3,000 firefighters and support crew members continued to tackle the Oak Fire, which has destroyed at least 25 homes, on Tuesday in Mariposa County.
The fire, which began Friday afternoon near Yosemite National Park, was 26% contained as of 9:30 a.m., Cal Fire officials said.
Thus far, it has consumed 18,087 acres (about 28 square miles) and destroyed 44 structures in all. More than 1,400 structures remain threatened.
Surreal apocalyptic scene from the #OakFire pic.twitter.com/ylTyJgoLhb
— Technically J (@Technically_J) July 24, 2022
“Fire crews continue providing structure defense, extinguishing hot spots, and building and improving direct lines,” Cal Fire’s update Tuesday morning said. “Persistent drought, critically dry fuels, and tree mortality continue to contribute to the fire’s spread.”
The update noted that crews got a break from increased humidity levels as monsoonal moisture moved through the Sierra Nevada foothills.
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Residents affected by the Oak Fire listen to updates from fire officials during a community meeting in Mariposa County on Sunday, July 24, 2022. (AP/Noah Berger)
An estimated 6,000 mountain area residents remained under evacuation orders.
You can view road closures, evacuation orders, and animal evacuation information at this link.
This smoke projection from the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh computer model depicts heavy smoke from the #OakFire moving southward into the Sierra Nevada foothills tonight due to downslope winds. Smoke may move southward into the San Joaquin Valley Wednesday. #CAwx #Firewx pic.twitter.com/KfBNNTT5Wt
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) July 26, 2022
Washburn Fire Is 87% Contained
The Washburn Fire, which originated in Yosemite National Park, was reported as being 87% contained on Tuesday after burning for more than two weeks and moving into the Sierra National Forest.
The Oak Fire burns near Jerseydale in Mariposa County on July 23, 2022. (AP/Noah Berger)
