Oak Fire Update: 3,800 Residents Cleared to Return, 39% Contained

Cal Fire estimates that 3,800 Mariposa County residents have been cleared to return to their mountain homes as firefighters continue to corral California’s largest wildfire of the summer.

However, another 2,200 residents remain under Oak Fire evacuation orders in the communities near Yosemite National Park.

“They’re definitely making good progress,” fire spokesperson Chris Garcia said of the nearly 3,800 personnel assigned to the fire — many of whom are working in steep terrain.

Fire Now 39% Contained

Officials reported Thursday morning that the fire was 39% contained after spreading by fewer than 500 acres overnight.

“Fire behavior was moderate overnight with most of the fire activity occurring on the northeast side of the fire,” the incident report stated. “With higher temperatures and lower humidity, crews may observe increased fire behavior. Work will continue to address hazards and repair infrastructure within the fire perimeter. Damage inspection is ongoing and will continue until the entire fire area is assessed.”

The cause of the fire, which broke out Friday near the town of Midpines, remains under investigation.

Cal Fire reports that 116 structures, including 63 homes. There have been no reported injuries or fatalities.

You can view road closures, evacuation orders, and animal evacuation information at this link.

TERRIFYING: These huge flames and clouds of smoke are from the Oak Fire, currently raging in Mariposa County. The wildfire has exploded to 1,600 acres and has reached the Sierra National Forest. Find more details and the list of evacuation orders here: https://t.co/94kRo7HBCB pic.twitter.com/Dar3ieCKkW

— ABC30 Fresno (@ABC30) July 23, 2022

Community Meeting Thursday Night

Officials will update mountain residents about what’s ahead at a community meeting tonight. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Mariposa County High School gym, 5074 Old Hwy N, Mariposa.

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)

GoFundMe Accounts Verified

On Tuesday, GoFundMe announced in a news release that it “will identify all verified fundraisers created to help those who have lost their businesses, homes, and have been displaced by the Oak Fire in Mariposa County. ”

You can view the verified fundraisers at this link.

(Associated Press contributed to this report.)