Many evacuation orders lifted as firefighters continue battling French Fire near Mariposa

Some of the mandatory evacuations and warnings have been lifted as fire crews continue to battle the French Fire burning in Mariposa County.

So far the French Fire, which started at 6:33 p.m. on Thursday, has burned 908 acres and is 25% contained, according to Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced.

No structures have been damaged and no injuries have been reported.

Highway 140 has been opened through Yosemite with no restrictions.

There is still a mandatory evacuation order for Stockton Creek Reservoir & Trail Road to the Mariposa County High School Baseball Field/Track.

All other previous mandatory evacuations have been lifted.

Evacuation warnings are in place for the following areas, with some areas open to residents only:

▪ Grosjean Road- Residents Only

▪ Alta Vista Road-Residents Only

▪ Avoca Vale-Residents Only

▪ Old Hwy North from 140 to 10th street

▪ Hospital Road past John C. Fremont- Residents Only

▪ Slaughterhouse from Hwy 140 to Allred

▪ Allred Road from Slaughterhouse to Hwy 49 South

The Red Cross has established an evacuation center at the New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa.

These roads are open to residents only:

▪ Grosjean

▪ Alta Vista

▪ Avoca Vale

▪ Hospital Road past John C. Fremont

▪ Old Hwy North from Hwy 140 to 10th Street

According to Cal Fire, “firefighters constructed additional fire line and contingency line in the area near Allred Rd, Stockton Creek and Slaughterhouse Rd. due to the steep terrain and potential for burning fuels to roll across the containment line.”

Cal Fire says the weather conditions, which includes extreme heat and wind, can help “create fuels that are more receptive to ignition and areas of unburned fuel within the fire perimeter may burn causing smoke to be visible to the public.”

Cal Fire damage inspectors have arrived on scene and are conducting inspections.

There have been 1,090 personnel battling the blaze since Thursday, according to the Cal Fire incident report. There have been 107 engines and four helicopters on the scene. There have also been 21 bulldozers and 21 water tenders used.