Fast-moving French Fire in Mariposa County triggers mandatory evacuations

Authorities in Mariposa County issued mandatory evacuation orders and a shelter-in-place order at a hospital after a wildfire broke out early Thursday evening.

The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office first posted on social media about the wildfire dubbed the French Fire at around 6:30 p.m.

As of 6 a.m. Friday, Cal Fire's Madera-Mariposa-Merced unit incident report said the French Fire had burned 843 acres and was 5% contained.

Residents who live on the following roads were ordered to evacuate Thursday evening.

• Hospital Rd. -- From Silver Creek to the end (up the mountain)
• Grosjean Rd.
• Alta Vista Rd.
• Avoca Vale
• Old Hwy North from 140 to Wild Peach including Wild Peach both sides of the roadway
• Slaughterhouse Rd.
• Williams Rd.
• Campbell Rd.
• Pine St.
• Dexter View

Deputies were in the areas making door-to-door notifications. People at the John C. Fremont Hospital at 5189 Hospital Rd. in the town of Mariposa were ordered to shelter in place because of the fire.

French Fire evacuation map

"If you live in the area and do not feel safe, please leave do not wait to be told to evacuate," the most recent post read.

Additionally, Highway 140 is closed between Smith Rd. to West Whitlock. There are multiple other road closures.

Authorities have set up a temporary evacuation point at the New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd. in Mariposa.

Residents are advised to stay out of the fire area. Multiple Road Closures in and around the fire area.

There have been evacuation warnings issued for the following roads:

• Hospital Rd. -- From Silver Creek to the End (up the mountain)
• Grosjean Rd.
• Alta Vista Rd.
• Avoca Vale
• Old Hwy North from Hwy 140 to Wild Peach including Wild Peach both sides of the roadway
• Slaughterhouse Rd.
• Williams Rd.
• Campbell Rd.
• Pine St.
• Dexter View