Detwiler Fire Update: 80,250 acres burned in Mariposa County; 65 percent containment
whaupt@sierrasun.com
WHAT TO DO DURING WILDFIRE SMOKE EVENTS:
Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air-conditioner on “recirculate” setting. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
Minimize the use of swamp coolers. If it becomes too warm indoors, individuals may consider leaving the area to seek alternative shelter.
Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves.
Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home.
Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
If you evacuate, make sure you take all essential medications along with you.
Do not rely on dust masks or N95 respirators for protection. If you wish to wear something, use a wet handkerchief or bandana to cover your mouth and nose. The key – keep it moist.
When driving make sure to drive with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on “recirculate.”
Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise, during smoky conditions.
People who must spend time outdoors should drink plenty of fluids.
Additionally, pet owners should consider bringing their pets indoors out of the unhealthy air conditions, if possible. This is especially important for older pets.
Carson City Health and Human Services
The Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County has scorched 80,250 acres in an area about 2 miles east of Lake McClure, according to an update from CAL Fire on Wednesday, July 26.
The fire, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, was 65 percent contained as of Wednesday.
A total of 63 homes, 67 minor structures, and one commercial structure have been destroyed by the wildfire.
EARLIER VERSION: TUESDAY, JULY 25
The Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County was 65 percent contained as of Tuesday morning, July 25, according to information from CAL FIRE.
The wildfire, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, has burned 78,900 acres in an area about 2 miles east of Lake McClure. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A total of 63 homes, 67 minor structures, and one commercial structure have been destroyed by the wildfire.
EARLIER VERSION: MONDAY, JULY 24
The Detwiler Fire was 50 percent contained as of Monday morning, July 24, according to information from CAL FIRE.
The wildfire has charred 76,500 acres in an area about 2 miles east of Lake McClure. The cause of the fire, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, is under investigation.
A total of 63 homes, 67 minor structures, and one commercial structure have been destroyed by the wildfire.
EARLIER VERSION: SUNDAY, JULY 23
Firefighters have made more progress in their weeklong battle against the Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County, authorities said Sunday morning, July 23.
The wildfire, which has burned 76,000 acres, was 40 percent contained as of Sunday. That was up from 30 percent on Saturday, July 22.
A total of 63 homes, 67 minor structures, and one commercial structure have been destroyed by the wildfire, according to data from CAL FIRE. A total of 1,500 structures are threatened by the fire, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16
EARLIER VERSION: SATURDAY, JULY 22
The Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County was 30 percent contained as of Saturday morning, July 22, authorities said.
The wildire, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, has burned 75,200 acres in an area about 2 miles east of Lake McClure. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A total of 60 homes, 63 minor structures, and one commercial structure have been destroyed by the blaze. A total of 13 residences and seven minor structures have been damaged, according to information from CAL FIRE.
Evacuations for the town of Mariposa have been lifted.
Mearly 4,500 firefighting personnel have been assigned to wildfire.
EARLIER VERSION: FRIDAY, JULY 21
The Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County has scorched 74,083 acres as of Friday morning, July 21, according to information from CAL FIRE.
The wildfire, which continues to push smoke into the Truckee-Tahoe region, was 15 percent contained as of Friday morning.
A total of 58 residences have been destroyed by the blaze, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. About 3,800 firefighting personnel have been assigned to fight the blaze.
Evacuation orders are in effect for the following areas:
Ben Hur Roadd from Buckeye Road to Highway 49-South, all of Mariposa Town, Highway 140 from 49-North to East Whitlock Road and all feeder roads, East Whitlock Road from Highway 140 to Mosher Road and all feeder roads to the West, Hornitos Road from Highway 140 to Mount Gaines Road and all feeder roads on both sides (this includes the community of Whispering Oak), West Whitlock from 49-North to Mosher Road and all feeder roads on both sides. Colorado Road from East Whitlock to Rancheria Creek Road and all feeder roads. Rancheria Creek Road, all of Sherlock Roadd, all of Telegraph Road, Bull Creek Road from Greeley Hill Road to the Merced River, Old Yosemite Road to the Five Corners intersection and River Road from Briceburg to Northfork Falls. North County: Highway 49-North from Schilling Road to Oakridge Road and all feeder roads, Highway 132 from Highway 49-North to Windy Point, the town of Coulterville, Dogtown Road from Greeley Hill Road to Texas Hill Road, all of Texas Hill R0ad, Schilling Road from Highway 49-North to Texas Hill Road, Greeley Hill Road from Dogtown Road (Coulterville) to Dogtown Road near Bowers Cave. All roads between Greeley Hill Road and Texas Hill Road.
Evacuation Shelters
EV Free Church, 50443 School Road, Oakhurst
Sierra Vista Presbyterian, 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst
Cesar Chavez Middle School, 161 Plainsburg Road, Planada
Mountain Christian Center 40299 Highway 49, Oakhurst
Sonora Fair grounds, 220 Southgate, Sonora
North Fork Ranchera Community Center, 56900 Kunigib Road, North Fork
Small animals:
Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church at 39616 Highway 41, Oakhurst;
Cesar Chavez Middle School at 161 Plainsburg Road, Planada (559)-433-9663
Sonora Fairgrounds at 220 Southgate Road, Sonora
Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Fresno Flats Rd, Oakhurst
Large animals:
Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds, 44777 Rodeo Grounds Lane, Coarsegold (559)-994-2794
Horsemen Association, 499 Nevada St., Merced (209)-354-9437
EARLIER VERSION: THURSDAY, JULY 20
The Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County has consumed about 70,000 acres as smoke continues to move into the Tahoe Basin and Truckee.
The fire, which started about 3:56 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, was 10 percent contained as of Thursday morning, July 20, according to CAL FIRE.
A total of 45 structures have been destroyed in the blaze, and six were damaged. Another 1,500 structures are threatened.
Road Closures: Highway 49N from Smith Road to Oakridge Road, Bear Valley Road at Exchequer Road, Hornitos Road from Mount Gaines to Highway 140, Mount Gaines Roadd at No.9 Road, Highway 140 from Triangle Road to School House Road, 49S at Triangle Road, Highway 132 at Horseshoe Bend, Bend Hur at Highway 49S, Highway 140 at Yaqui Gulch Road, E. Whitlock at Highway 140, Colorado Road at Rancheria Creek, Greeley at Dogtown Road to the end of Greeley Hill and Dogtown intersection, Smith Station Road and Greeley Hill Road.
Total Fire Personnel: 3,181
Total Fire Engines: 410
Total Fire Crews: 56
Airtankers: Yes
Total Helicopters: 14
Total Dozers: 75
Total Water Tenders: 57
Conditions: The acreage increased due to an increase in fire activity late Wednesday afternoon. Overnight, fire crews continued their work to establish and reinforce containment lines. The fire area is seeing poor humidity recoveries at night allowing the fire to remain very active throughout this time. The fire is burning in drought stricken chaparral and in an area of severe tree mortality. Damage assessment crews are on scene to evaluate and inspect the area.
EARLIER VERSION: WEDNESDAY, JULY 19
Smoke from a fire that has scorched 39 square miles in Mariposa County continues to flood into the Tahoe Basin and greater region.
Lake Tahoe was hidden in a cloud of smoke Wednesday morning, July 19. Off the hill in the Carson Valley, very poor visibility was reported. An air quality advisory is in effect for western Nevada until 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Air quality in the region ranged from hazardous to unhealthy to very unhealthy.
EARLIER VERSION: 9:50 A.M.
Smoke from a 45,724-acre fire in Mariposa County, California is blowing smoking into the Tahoe Basin, according to the National Weather Service Reno.
The blaze, called the Detwiler Fire, was 7 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, July 19. The fire broke out on Sunday, July 16, around 4 p.m., about 2 miles east of Lake McClure.
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